The Darjeeling Chronicle

URGENT ALERT: Landslide Blocks Teesta River Near Chyakoong, Downstream Areas Placed on High Alert Mangan, September 6, 2026: A massive landslide occurred early this morning above the Chyakoong River, opposite OC Bhir in North Sikkim. Roughly half of the hillside collapsed into the gorge, temporarily blocking the flow of the Teesta River. District administration and emergency response teams were mobilised immediately after the incident. Police personnel from Chungthang Police Station and Theng Check Post were deployed to the site to monitor the stability of the affected area and the behaviour of the blocked water. Officials said water levels recorded at Sankalang and Phidang outposts remained normal in the hours after the landslide, though the river water had turned heavily turbid and muddy. Both outposts were placed on round-the-clock monitoring. Assessment teams also flagged a wider downstream risk. The landslide debris has formed a natural dam-like blockage on a river that joins the Teesta, located around 60 km upstream from Reang Kongma and 40 km upstream from Rangpo, near the West Bengal border. Officials said this could lead to increased water release from upstream, and warned that a breach of the naturally formed blockage could send a sudden surge of water downstream, first affecting the Tintek area in Sikkim before reaching parts of Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri. According to sources, senior officials held discussions with officers posted downstream to prepare for possible evacuations in case of an emergency. The Police Control Room in Sikkim has been activated and high-alert has been issued warning o vulnerable habitations along the lower belt of the Teesta River basin. The public, workers, anglers and vehicle operators have been advised to stay away from the riverbed, avoid fishing, and refrain from crossing suspension bridges and footpaths along the river until further notice. People were also urged to stay updated through official channels and not to act on unverified rumours circulating on social media. The Teesta River has since resumed its flow following the temporary blockage. Authorities have confirmed this update, but have asked residents in downstream and lower belt areas to remain alert and exercise caution near the riverbanks. The public is advised to avoid going close to the river until the situation is confirmed to be completely safe. Further updates are awaited from ground assessment teams.

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