Sikkim remains cut-off for 2nd day as multiple landslides block NH-31

Sikkim remained cut-off from the rest of the country for the second day on Friday as multiple landslides triggered by heavy and continuous rainfall have blocked the arterial NH-31A, officials said.

The officials from General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF) said significant sections of the hills have collapsed and blocked the highway at five locations between Setijhora and Kalijhora in West Bengal.

In Sikkim, landslides have occurred near Rangpo and 32 Number on the highway, they said, adding that the ongoing repair and restoration work is being hampered by heavy and continuous rains.

The MeT Department has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls over sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim.