Heavy Rains Lash Sikkim, IMD Issues Orange Alert for Several Districts

Gangtok, September 16, 2025 : Sikkim is experiencing intense rainfall across several districts over the past 24 hours, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an Orange Alert for many areas. The alert warns of continued heavy to very heavy showers, specifically in the districts of Pakyong, Namchi, Gyalsing, Mangan, Soreng, and Gangtok. Rainfall data shows Khanitar (Pakyong district) recorded the highest, nearly 99.4 mm, closely followed by Namthang (Namchi district) at 98.9 mm, while Pakyong town itself logged 93.2 mm. Other locations like Gyalsing (88.5 mm), Mazitar (81 mm), and Dentam (75 mm) also saw significant rain. Gangtok city reported around 68.3 mm. The IMD’s nowcasting warnings, issued early this morning (~1:36 AM), predict that these spells of intense rain are likely to continue into the next few hours. Residents have been advised to stay indoors wherever possible, especially in vulnerable zones prone to landslides and road wash-outs. Besides disruption of normal movement—roads are waterlogged, some hilly and rural routes are becoming unstable due to the rain—there’s concern about the impact on agriculture and small-scale transport. Soil erosion and landslide risk increases in terrain already saturated. Brightening of skies seems unlikely in worst-hit districts until rainfall eases up. Temperature readings have also dipped in many regions. Gangtok saw a max of 20.4°C and min of 17.5°C, whereas Pakyong was warmer: around 23.8°C (max) and 19.2°C (min). Mangan reported about 25.1°C (max). Government authorities have sprung into action: local disaster management teams are coordinating response, warning communications are being pushed via media, and officials are monitoring vulnerable stretches of road and slopes for early signs of landslides or flooding.