In North Sikkim, flash flood cause by heavy rains, submerge National Highway 10 near Pegong

Heavy rains in North Sikkim triggered the closest rivers to overflow, which induced a flash flood that submerged National Highway 10 at Pegong. North Sikkim witnessed a flash flood on Thursday night, according to the authorities. Flash floods have cut off parts of North Sikkim, such as Lachen and Lachung, from the rest of the state.

The officials added that the flash flood had severely damaged the highway’s infrastructure and rendered it dangerous for any type of automotive movement. The Border Roads Organisation is making efforts to clear the debris in order to restore the situation back to normal with the help of local authorities.

The highway’s eventual reopening to traffic, they said, is anticipated to take some time. Landslides near the 13th mile and Thulo Khola and Rail Khola on the Gangtok-Nathula route’s JN Road have resulted in the closure of the road.

Until further notice, all tourist permits have been revoked for North Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, and Nathula.