Torrential overnight rains in Sikkim triggered a series of landslides that blocked the Gyalshing–Legship road at multiple places, cutting off the West Sikkim district headquarters from the rest of the state. The region of Gyalshing recorded a staggering 95.2 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours, causing tonnes of sludge and massive boulders to come crashing onto the road, bringing traffic to a standstill. District Magistrate Tenzing Denzongpa reported that the landslides were first reported around 9 pm on Tuesday, with the most severely affected landslide occurring near Omchung, about two kilometres from Gyalshing town.
Excavators were pressed into service through the night as teams battled challenging conditions to clear the debris. According to Zilla Panchayat member Sagar Sharma, at least three landslides have struck the highway corridor, including a major slide near Omchung, another below the main slide zone, and a third near Legship. Sharma noted that the road is prone to landslides every monsoon, and despite repeated discussions during DISHA Monitoring Committee meetings, permanent restoration and mitigation measures have yet to be implemented.
The Gyalshing–Legship road serves as the district’s primary lifeline, carrying passengers, essential commodities, and emergency services. With no viable alternative route available, the blockade has disrupted movement and heightened concerns among residents.
