A massive landslide is choking Sikkim’s rivers

Mud and mountain debris clog a river channel after a massive landslide along nagatosa road in north sikkim’s naga forest area in mangan September 6, 2026. | Photo Credit: District Administration via ANI

A massive landslide in Sikkim’s Mangan district partially blocked the flow of the Chyakoong and Teesta rivers for several hours on Sunday (September 6, 2026) morning.

Mangan County officials said no loss of life was reported.

They said a portion of the hill along the new route of the Naga-Tosa road in the Naga Forest area collapsed and partially blocked the flow of two rivers. The accident site where the two rivers meet is opposite the Theng (road) tunnel on the Gangtok-Chungthang highway.

“A comprehensive on-site assessment was carried out in the afternoon to assess the situation on the ground,” an official statement said, adding that the natural channel, restricted by the debris, opened in the evening to allow the rivers to drain water at a constant, normal rate.

“The threat of sudden water release or flash floods downstream has significantly reduced compared to the morning hours. The overall condition along the stretch of the river remains stable and normal,” the statement said.

Police and District Disaster Management Office personnel remained deployed to monitor river levels and slope stability.

The administration has advised residents living along the lower Teesta to remain vigilant, avoid venturing near river banks and move to safer, higher ground as a precautionary measure until full evacuations are completed.

Published – 06 Sep 2026 13:15 IST