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Avalanche Alert Issued for Sikkim's Gangtok, Pakyong Districts

The India Meteorological Department has issued a medium-danger avalanche warning for areas above 3,500 meters in Sikkim's Gangtok and Pakyong districts. Authorities are urging residents and tourists at higher altitudes to avoid unnecessary travel. This alert follows severe thunderstorms that recently damaged key power transmission lines, causing supply disruptions in the region. Separate avalanche and snowfall warnings have also been issued for several high-altitude districts in Uttarakhand.

Key Points: Avalanche Warning for Sikkim's Gangtok and Pakyong

  • IMD issues medium-level avalanche alert
  • Warning for areas above 3,500m in Gangtok, Pakyong
  • Recent storms caused major power line damage
  • Similar avalanche warnings issued for Uttarakhand districts
2 min read

Sikkim: IMD issues avalanche alert in Gangtok, Pakyong

IMD issues medium-danger avalanche alert above 3,500m in Sikkim. Residents and tourists urged to avoid travel as storms cause power disruptions.

"there is a possibility of snowfall/avalanche in the high altitude areas - State Emergency Operations Centre, Dehradun"

Gangtok, March 21

The India Meteorological Department on Saturday issued a warning through the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority about a medium danger level avalanche expected above 3,500 meters in Gangtok and Pakyong districts over the next 24 hours.

Residents, trekkers and tourists in higher altitudes have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and heed local advisories.

The Defence Geo-Informatics Research Establishment (DGRE), Chandigarh, also issued a similar forecast for Gangtok and Pakyong.

Earlier on March 15, a severe thunderstorm accompanied by a hailstorm that occurred across several parts of Pakyong, Gangtok, and Mangan districts led to tripping of several 66 kV transmission lines, resulting in power supply disruptions in certain areas.

According to the state Power Department, in Pakyong District, one conductor of the 66 kV Rorathang-Rongli Transmission Line snapped near the Amba area, affecting power supply to Rongli and Rhenock areas.

In Gangtok district, sparking accompanied by a loud noise was reported near the Namli area on the 66 kV Marchak-Macleods Transmission Line, affecting supply to Nimtar, Topakhani and Singtam, a release said.

Additionally, the 66 kV LLHP-Sichey Transmission Line could not be sustained during trial charging.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the DRGE, Chandigarh, also issued an alert for the possibility of snowfall and avalanche on the higher altitude areas of Uttarakhand.

The State Emergency Operations Centre, Dehradun, issued instructions to the District Magistrates of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar to exercise special caution in view of the possibility of snowfall and avalanches.

"The above is to inform that as per the forecast issued by Defence Geoinformation Research Establishment (DGRE), Chandigarh, on 20.03.2026 at 05:00 PM, there is a possibility of snowfall/avalanche in the high altitude areas of the state from 20.03.2026 to 05:00 PM on 21.03.2026. Especially in the districts, Taharkashi, Bamoli and Pithoragarh (placed in danger level-3) and Rudraprayag and Bageshwar (placed in danger level-1), there is a possibility of snowfall/avalanche. In such a situation, in case of heavy snowfall in these areas, there may be sudden collapse or avalanche," they wrote.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is serious. Climate change is making these extreme weather events more frequent in the Himalayas. We need better infrastructure that can withstand these shocks. The snapped transmission lines show we are still vulnerable.
D
David E
I was planning a trek to Dzongri next month. Reading this makes me reconsider. Authorities are doing the right thing by warning tourists. Safety first always.
A
Anjali F
Thoughts with the people in the affected districts. Power disruption in these remote hilly areas during bad weather is a major problem. Hope the repair teams are safe and can fix the lines soon.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while the alerts are good, the communication needs to be stronger at the local level. Do all villagers in Rongli or Rhenock get these SMS alerts? We need to ensure the warning reaches the last person.
S
Sarah B
The coordination between IMD, state disaster management, and the defense establishment (DGRE) is impressive. This is how early warning systems should work. Wishing safety for all residents and the brave teams working there.

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