Rising Teesta River levels trigger landslides in Sikkim and Darjeeling

The Teesta River, which flows through the Himalayan foothills of Sikkim and West Bengal, has risen sharply in recent days, triggering a series of landslides in both regions. Local authorities reported that heavy rainfall upstream contributed to the rapid increase in water level, destabilising slopes along the riverbanks.

In Sikkim, several villages along the river corridor experienced mudflows that blocked roads and forced residents to move to temporary shelters. Emergency teams were dispatched to clear debris and assess damage to infrastructure.

Similarly, the Darjeeling district saw multiple landslides that cut off access to remote hamlets and halted railway services on the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Officials have warned of further instability as the river continues to swell, urging people to stay away from vulnerable zones.

The state disaster management forces are monitoring the situation closely, and relief operations are underway to provide food, medical aid and temporary accommodation to affected families.