Landslides disconnect Sikkim from rest of the country

Gangtok, Sep 7 (UNI) A large section of the NH-31 was washed away due to rainwater between Rangpo and Melli this morning, disrupting traffic between Sikkim and the rest of the country.

A 40-km stretch has been washed away affecting trafficflow on the highway, which is the only link of the state with the rest of the country. NH-31A links Sikkim with its neighbour West Bengal.

A nearby stream had swelled up following uninterrupted rainfall, which resulted in the washing away of a large portion of the highway at around 1000 hours today. ends Border Road officials said restoration works were being done on both of the disjointed highway and they are hopeful that connectivity will be restored within two or three days.

The area falls under Kamlipong subdivison of Darjeeling district.

Meanwhile, the BRO has informed that at least 25 landslides have occurred in various degrees along the NH-31 A from Sevoke to Gangtok and that the slides will soon be cleared.

Slides have occurred along the highway in Rangpo and Singtam areas disrupting inter-state traffic.

South Sikkim and West Sikkim is also virtually isolated with vehicular movement possible only through few roads.

Power supply has also been in different parts of Sikkim as slides have swept away power poles.

Several schools have been declared closed due to landslides in West Sikkim.

No causalities have been reported so far.

UNI