Heavy rain and hailstorm hit parts of Sikkim; one killed and power supply disrupted

PTI, March 16, 2026, Gangtok: One person was killed as heavy rain, accompanied by a hailstorm, lashed several parts of Sikkim on Sunday evening, officials said.

A 55-year-old woman, identified as Kala Devi Chettri, was killed after being trapped under a falling tree in Rakdong Kafer in the Tumin-Lingi Assembly constituency, they said.

In a separate incident, a tree fell on a vehicle at Chota Singtam near Assam Linzey in the Namcheybong constituency, injuring three occupants, they added.

Local residents rushed to the spot, rescued the injured passengers and shifted them to a nearby hospital for treatment.

In another weather-related incident, a large pine tree was partially uprooted and charred following a thunderstorm in the MP Golai area of the state capital, Gangtok.

Heavy rain and hail also prompted authorities to temporarily shut down power supply in some areas as a precautionary measure, officials said.

The Gangtok district administration has urged people to remain cautious while travelling.

It said emergency response teams have been deployed to clear roads and ensure public safety following the adverse weather conditions.

Power supply was disrupted in parts of Sikkim due to the severe thunderstorm, which led to tripping of several 66 kV transmission lines, an official statement said.