Gangtok landslides damage homes, roads as DDMA launches emergency survey

Continuous downpours on 28 June 2026 saturated hillsides in the Gangtok district of Sikkim, causing multiple landslides and mudflows. In response, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) organised a joint field inspection on 29 June to verify damage, assess risk and coordinate relief.

Inspection team and scope

The inspection was led by Area MLA Mrs Kala Rai and included Joint Director of DDMA Mr Sonam Wongyal Lepcha, Block Development Officer Mr Chuing Bhutia, ward Panchayat members, officials and local residents. The team focused on the Ranka Block, covering Perbing, Thamidara, Changrang and Baliman wards.

Damage to residential structures

Field officers observed active slope instability and reported specific damage:

• Perbing Ward – the house of Mr Jibalall Pandey sustained damage on one side; the house of Mr Yoga Prasad Pandey was hit by debris; the property of Mr Mon Prasad Pandey remains threatened.
• Thamidara and Changrang Ward – a landslide above Mr Padam Gautam’s residence damaged one side of his house; the slide extended downslope, damaging the house of Mr Om Prasad Gautam directly below.
• Baliman Ward – a major slide above Shri Furzang Lepcha’s home destroyed a newly built house under the Sikkim Garib Awas Yojana and collapsed its retaining wall, rendering the site unsafe.

Impact on transport and public infrastructure

Separate DDMA surveys later in September recorded landslide‑induced blockages on the Luing‑Ranka Highway and adjoining roads such as Bojoghari, Lingding, High Court Road and TNA Gate. The blockages restricted vehicular movement across the district. Public utilities were also affected, with the Sewage Treatment Plant at Sichey damaged and debris accumulating near the Enchey School 33/11 kV Switching Station.

Response and recommendations

Based on the 29 June assessment, the team advised immediate evacuation of families living beneath active slides or in structurally unsafe houses. Tarpaulins were distributed to protect vulnerable zones from further erosion. The DDMA pledged prompt relief under State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) norms and called for detailed geotechnical studies and slope‑stabilisation work once weather permits.

District Collector and DDMA Chairman later directed line departments to clear debris, restore road connectivity and verify damages. Residents were urged to avoid landslide‑prone areas, especially after dark, and to report any cracks, slope movement or falling debris.

“The safety of the affected families is our top priority; we will continue monitoring the situation and provide all necessary assistance,” said a DDMA official.

Authorities continue to monitor rainfall intensity, which local reports indicate is nearly double the normal weekly average, heightening the risk of further slides.