2 Dead, 5 People Swept Away As Multiple Landslides Wreak Havoc In Sikkim & WB: What We Know

Incessant rainfall led to massive landslides and damages in Melli area in South Sikkim. One such landslide in South Sikkim¡¯s Mamkhola swept at least eight people away of which three were rushed to the District Hospital Singtam in East Sikkim. Two have been declared dead and search is on for the rest of them.

Melli Bazaar & surrounding areas are cut off from West Bengal & rest of the Sikkim. Damage to property has been reported in wards like Kerabari, Kubindey, Chalisey and Melli Bazaar.

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Rescue ops underway

This incident took place in a labour camp of ITDCL rail construction company which is involved in the construction of Sevoke Rungpo rail project at Mamkhola near Rungpo under Kalimpong PS. Due to intensive rainfall and fall of boulders on early Friday morning, the rivulet near the camp got swelled and eight persons got washed away.

Locals managed to rescue three persons who were admitted to hospitals in Sikkim and Kalimpong. However, one of the two dead named Dhan Singh Bhandari, 35, son of Sher Singh Bhandari of Nepal, was declared dead on arrival at the Kalimpong District Hospital. One person has been admitted with injuries in Sikkim.

AIR news Gangtok

Police and local rafting team is currently involved in search and rescue operations for the five people still missing. The DMG team is on the way from Dabgram to the spot. One sniffer dog is also being sent from Siliguri for assisting the search.

NH-10 cut off; schools & houses damaged

NH-10 has been closed and cut off both on the West Bengal and Sikkim side after multiple landslides between Rangpo and Melli. Traffic was affected severely due to multiple landslides on various roads of the district. The Sikkim Police have been told to redirect vehicles and stop the plying of HGVs on the roads.

A government school and at least 10 houses in Melli have suffered extensive damage and destruction due to the landslides. Commuters are advised to avoid this stretch till further notice.

Incessant rainfall led to #landslides and damages in #melli area under South #sikkim. Melli Bazaar & surrounding areas are cut off from #WestBengal & rest of Sikkim. Damage to property has been reported in wards like Kerabari, Kubindey, Chalisey and Melli Bazar. Pics: Namo Dixit pic.twitter.com/NJjKenHKPh

¡ª AIR News Gangtok (@airnews_gangtok) July 30, 2021

The alternative road from Mamring to Melli will be used until landslides are cleared. The landslide at 29th mile got cleared and is open for traffic.