At least nine people have died, and nearly 2,000 tourists are stranded due to large-scale landslides caused by torrential rains in the northern Indian state of Sikkim.
According to the Hindustan Times, the landslides have washed out roads and destroyed bridges, leaving many areas inaccessible.
Devastation in Sikkim
Sikkim, a small state in the Himalayas bordering China, has been particularly hard-hit by this year’s monsoon rains.
The state covers an area of 7,100 square kilometers and has a population of about 611,000.
It experiences heavy rains and landslides annually, but the current situation is especially severe.
In the northern district of Sikkim, which borders China, over 220 mm of rain fell in the past day. The other five districts received 30-50 mm of rain during the same period.
Since last Sunday, heavy rains have been relentless. Early in the week, more than 100 mm of rain was recorded, leading to widespread floods and landslides across the mountainous state.
Local authorities report extensive damage to infrastructure. Many roads are washed out and blocked, including several key highways. Power lines and water mains are destroyed, and dozens of houses and households are flooded.
Currently, there are reports of at least nine fatalities and nearly 2,000 tourists stranded in various locations. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage and casualties.
Weather Forecast and Alerts
Meteorologists forecast more heavy rains in the coming days, increasing the risk of further large-scale landslides over the next four to five days.
Sikkim has been declared at the highest red level of landslide danger, while the other five districts are under an orange alert, one level lower.
The monsoon season is affecting other regions as well.
In Sri Lanka, flash floods, landslides, and falling trees due to monsoon storms have resulted in at least 14 deaths.
