Gangtok: A massive landslide triggered by continuous rainfall struck the Rangpo-Rorathang road in Sikkim's Pakyong district on Monday, sending huge boulders and debris crashing onto the roadway and causing panic among commuters. Dramatic visuals of the incident, which have gone viral on social media, show large rocks tumbling down a hillside and blocking a key stretch of the road within seconds.

The landslide occurred near the Chamarey area on the Rangpo-Rorathang route, an important road connecting several parts of eastern Sikkim. Authorities said the road was immediately closed to traffic after the incident, while emergency teams were rushed to the spot to assess the situation and begin clearance operations.

Despite the scale of the landslide, no casualties or injuries were reported. Officials credited the timely intervention of an off-duty police personnel, Naik Suk Bahadur Tamang, for preventing what could have turned into a major disaster. According to local reports, the policeman noticed rocks falling from the hillside and quickly alerted motorists, stopping vehicles from entering the danger zone moments before massive boulders came crashing onto the road.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying, with dust clouds engulfing the area as rocks and debris rolled down the slope. Several vehicles were forced to halt at a safe distance while authorities worked to secure the affected stretch.

Sikkim has been witnessing heavy rainfall over the past several days, increasing the risk of landslides and road blockages in vulnerable hill regions. The latest incident has once again highlighted the challenges faced by residents and travellers during the monsoon season, when unstable slopes often pose a serious threat to transportation networks.

Officials from the district administration and disaster management teams inspected the site and launched efforts to clear debris from the roadway. Commuters have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel in landslide-prone areas and follow weather advisories issued by local authorities.

The quick thinking of the police personnel has drawn widespread appreciation on social media, with many users calling him a hero for preventing a possible tragedy. As restoration work continues, authorities remain on alert amid forecasts of further rainfall in parts of the Himalayan state.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by monsoon-triggered landslides in the region and the importance of timely response in saving lives during natural disasters.