GANGTOK, Sept 6: Sikkim authorities have issued emergency helpline numbers across the state after a landslide near Theng Tunnel partially blocked the Teesta and Chyakoong rivers at their confluence.
The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) urged residents to use the helplines to report disaster-related emergencies or unusual changes in river conditions. The SSDMA and State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) can be reached at 03592-201145, 03592-202461 and 03592-205256.
District emergency contacts are 03592-281007 for Mangan, 03592-204995 for Gangtok, 03595-263009 for Namchi, 03595-250633 for Gyalshing, 03595-291660 for Soreng and 03592-200024 for Pakyong.
The advisory followed a landslide above the Chyakoong River, opposite OC Bhir in the Naga Forest area near Theng Tunnel, during the intervening night of September 5 and 6. The incident partially blocked the confluence of the Teesta and Chyakoong rivers.
Authorities said the Teesta was flowing normally and there were no reports of deaths or injuries. Water levels at the Sankalang and Phidang observation posts remained normal, although the water was muddy.
The SSDMA said there was no immediate threat to downstream areas, while district authorities, police and ground personnel continued to monitor the situation. Vulnerable areas in the lower belt were alerted as a precaution.
Residents were advised to stay away from the affected riverbanks and avoid circulating unverified information, photographs or videos on social media. They were urged to report any unusual changes in water flow, colour or level to the nearest DDMA or SSDMA helpline.
