Teesta River swells amid torrential rainfall, North Sikkim travel curtailed

In the wake of relentless overnight rainfall, the Teesta River has witnessed a sharp rise in water levels—recorded at 2.5 meters above normal—triggering concerns among local authorities and prompting immediate travel restrictions in the region.

As a precautionary measure, the district administration has suspended the issuance of permits for North Sikkim on Saturday, citing blocked routes and unsafe travel conditions. The key access road leading to Chungthang, a strategic transit point for tourists and residents, remains obstructed at multiple locations due to landslides and waterlogging.

“In view of safety concerns and inaccessibility, all permits previously granted for May 31, 2025, stand cancelled,” stated an official communique from the district office.

Meanwhile, rescue and recovery operations are ongoing, with specialized teams deployed to search for missing persons and aid affected residents. Authorities have urged travellers and locals to remain cautious and cooperate with emergency responders.

Weather forecasts indicate continued instability in the region, with authorities monitoring the river’s flow and road conditions closely.

Authorities are expected to review the situation periodically before resuming travel access to North Sikkim.