Snowfall hits North Sikkim, triggers severe cold wave

Significant snowfall has been reported in parts of North Sikkim, including Lachung and its upper reaches, instigating a severe cold wave across the state and neighbouring regions. Ravangla, too, experienced hailstones.

This snowfall comes after Sikkim's first snowfall of the season on October 18, which covered Tsomgo, Dzuluk, and surrounding areas in a white blanket.

This event coincided with the day authorities began issuing permits for tourists to visit these areas, following a devastating flash flood that claimed nearly 38 lives and inflicted damage on thousands of houses. Consequently, temperatures in the capital city of Gangtok and nearby areas have dropped.