Gangtok /Kolkata, May 24 – Heavy rainfall in North Sikkim has triggered multiple landslides, stranding hundreds of tourists and prompting local authorities to suspend travel permits, while India’s weather office issued a yellow alert across West Bengal warning of thunderstorms and continued downpours.
Officials said key road links connecting the popular tourist destinations of Lachen and Lachung have been closed, with significant damage reported on stretches between Sankelan and Phidang. The Dzungur road, commonly used as an alternative route, was also blocked due to debris and landslips.
“Road repair operations have started and disaster response teams are working to rescue those stranded,” said a local official.
Issuance of new travel permits to North Sikkim has been halted and previously approved permits have been revoked, the district administration confirmed. Tourist operators have urged travellers to postpone plans to the region, citing safety concerns.
“We are advising everyone not to visit North Sikkim at this time,” said Rajesh Gupta, owner of Khusi Tour and Travels in North Bengal.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has meanwhile issued a yellow alert for the entire state of West Bengal, forecasting thunderstorms and rain through Saturday. Both northern and southern districts are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall, with gusty winds of up to 60 km/h.
Heavy rainfall of up to 11 cm is likely on Friday in at least eight districts of North Bengal, including Darjeeling and Cooch Behar, the IMD said. Western districts such as Purulia, Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Murshidabad are also bracing for thunderstorms and showers, with Murshidabad forecast to receive particularly heavy rain.
Kolkata, Howrah, and the coastal districts of North and South 24 Parganas are expected to see intensifying rainfall on Friday. A low-pressure system forming over the Bay of Bengal on May 28 is likely to worsen conditions in the coastal belt, officials warned.
“Under its influence, isolated heavy rainfall is likely to begin over coastal areas of West Bengal from May 28,” the IMD said in a statement, noting the system could become more marked over the following two days.
Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors, avoid open fields and water bodies, and prepare for potential waterlogging in low-lying urban areas due to the risk of lightning and flooding.
