Washed Away Roads, Unbroken Will: Inside Sikkim & Kalimpong's Battle With Flash Floods

Heavy rainfall since June 18 has triggered flash floods and landslides across Sikkim and Kalimpong, cutting off vital roads, stranding villagers, and forcing mass evacuations. The 72nd Battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Yuksom emerged as first responders, clearing a critical landslide-blocked road near Border Outpost Nambu within hours despite hazardous conditions.

Monsoon Fury Paralyses Sikkim-Kalimpong: SSB Leads Rescue

Key crisis points:

South Sikkim: The Namchi-Jorthang road is submerged, halting all vehicle movement.
Kalimpong: Roads near Melli, Kirney, and Likhubir are damaged or buried under debris, prompting police to ban heavy vehicles.
NH-710 Closure: A sunken stretch near Tarku will remain shut until June 29; commuters must detour via Aifaltar.

Disaster Zones: Where Landslides Struck Hardest

1. Yuksom’s Lifeline Restored by SSB

On June 18, the 72nd Battalion SSB cleared rocks and debris from the Nambu-Chungri Basti road, reconnecting 4 remote villages and border outposts. Commandant Jai Prakash mobilised 30 personnel who worked nonstop for 5 hours under torrential rain. Local leaders praised the operation, noting that it saved supplies for over 200 families.

2. Kalimpong’s Collapsing Roads

Melli-Kirney Zone: SP Kalimpong restricted traffic after rains washed away 300 meters of road.
Likhubir: Falling rocks forced a complete shutdown; officials warn of “high-risk” conditions until July.

Travel Advisory: Routes to Avoid & Detours

Updated as of June 20, 2025

Closed Route	Alternate Path	Restrictions
NH-710 (Tarku-Damthang)	Aifaltar-Temi Bazaar	No heavy vehicles 9 AM–5 PM
Namchi-Jorthang	None (awaiting NDRF clearance)	Light vehicles only
Melli-Kirney Road	Pedestrian pathways	Emergency access solely

Pro Tip: Follow @SikkimOrganic on Facebook for real-time SSB bulletins.

How the SSB’s 72nd Battalion Became Sikkim’s Disaster Heroes

The Yuksom-based unit has a track record of high-altitude rescues:

April 2025: They saved 8 tourists stranded in Nayapatal during a snowstorm, providing medical aid and shelter.
Training: Inspector General Sudhir Kumar recently lauded their use of modern tech and teamwork during drills.

Villager accounts reveal the battalion’s speed: “They arrived with ropes and shovels before our calls ended”.

Survival Toolkit: What Locals & Tourists Must Know

Emergency Contacts:
- NDRF Helpline: 011-24363260
- SSB Yuksom: +91-3592-202XXX (via Sikkim Police website)
Essentials Checklist:
- Satellite phones (mobile networks are spotty)
- Extra medicines (roads to pharmacies may be blocked)
Tourist Guidance:
- Register trips with the Sikkim Tourism Board.
- Avoid North Sikkim treks until July 10.