Massive landslide chokes Sikkim rivers

Mud and mountain debris choke a river channel following a massive landslide along the Naga-Tosa Road in North Sikkim's Naga Forest area, in Mangan on September 6, 2026. | Photo Credit: District Administration via ANI A massive landslide in Sikkim’s Mangan district on Sunday (September 6, 2026) morning partially blocked the flow of the Chyakoong and Teesta rivers for several hours.Mangan district officials said no loss of life was reported.They said a portion of a hill along the new alignment of the Naga-Tosa Road in the Naga Forest area collapsed, partially blocking the flow of the two rivers. The incident site, where the two rivers meet, is opposite the Theng (road) Tunnel on the Gangtok-Chungthang highway.“A comprehensive on-site assessment was conducted in the afternoon to evaluate the ground situation,” an official statement said, adding that the natural channel, restricted by the debris, opened up by evening to let the rivers discharge water at a steady, normal speed.“The threat of sudden water release or flash surges downstream significantly reduced compared to the morning hours. The overall condition along the river stretch remains stable and normal,” the statement read.Police and the District Disaster Management Authority personnel remained deployed at the site to maintain surveillance of the river levels and slope stability.The administration advised residents living along the downstream Teesta to remain vigilant, avoid venturing near riverbanks, and move to safer, higher locations as a precautionary measure until full clearance operations are completed. Published - September 06, 2026 01:15 pm IST