Rain, landslides stalltraffic on NH 10 and 55

EOI, DARJEELING, JUNE 20, 2022:  Incessant overnight rainfall from Sunday caused landslides on NH-10 and NH-55 and stalled traffic, inconveniencing commuters for most part of the day on Monday. 

Traffic was affected near Coronation Bridge on NH-10 which is the lifeline connecting the state of Sikkim as well as the hills of Kalimpong due to huge boulders falling on the road. Landslides near Tindharia in Kurseong on NH-55 caused massive  traffic blockage. 

The Darjeeling district administration said heavy rainfall on Sunday night caused landslides at various places on the two national highways.  

"There was heavy rainfall yesterday night which caused landslides. Traffic was affected at NH-10. Rain, landslides stall traffic on NH 10 and 55 and NH-55. Now both the roads have been cleared," said District Magistrate of Darjeeling S. Ponnambalam. Apart from the two national highways, landslides also occurred in a few places mainly in Kurseong and Mirik blocks. 

"We have taken up restoration work, immediately. There is no damage to life," the DM said. Massive traffic snarls took place at NH-10 and NH-55 with vehicles stalled for hours under dangerous conditions. Officials of the district administration and police reached the areas hit by landslides to monitor the flow of traffic and clear the debris. The weather throughout the day remained cloudy and overcast, except for intermittent sunshine. 

The weather office has forecast rain with thundershower for the next five days.