Landsldies disrupt life in Darjeeling and Sikkim

Darjeeling, July 17 (UNI) Sikkim and Darjeeling hills remained cut off from the rest of the country following serial landslides that killed a person and damaged at least six houses, official sources here today said.

Superintendent of police, Darjeeling, Rajesh Subarna said a major mudslide flattened two houses in Sonada killing Kishan Rai (35). His home at Beachghota in Sonada was buried by a huge boulder. His body was recovered this noon, he added.

Another landslide at Dowhill, about 9 km above Kurseong town, completely damaged two houses last night. However, there was no loss of life, Mr Subarna said.

About 30 mt road of National Highway, 55, between Tin-dharia and Gayabari was caved in following incessant rains disrupting vital link between hills of Darjeeling and Siliguri.

A report from Gangtok said around 50 landslides across four districts of Sikkim have affected life in the landlocked mountain state.

Road link between Gangtok and Siliguri, nearest railhead, was blocked following a series of landsldies in neighbouring Kalingpong town in Darjeeling district.

Toy train services, a major tourist attraction, were supended as landslides breached the two-foot guage line of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

The train services between Siliguri and Kathihar of Northeast Frontier Railway was suspended since morning after a crack appeared on a pillar at Balason rail bridge, NFR official confirmed.

Three passenger trains have been suspended as precaaution ary measure on this metre guage line.

Meanwhile, waters of all rivers, originating in the hills of Sikkim and neighbouring Bhutan, were flowing above the danger marks following heavy rains for past few days.

UNI