Sikkim Facing Deficit Monsoon, Worst in 5 Years. Is Climate Change Taking a Toll in the Himalayan State?
First Published: 8th July, 2025 17:36 IST
Supposed to be the peak of monsoon during the first week of July, the state has registered the worst monsoon in half a decade
After facing a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in 2023 triggered by heavy rainfall, the Himalayan state, Sikkim is witnessing rainfall shortage at an alarming level.
Supposed to be the peak of monsoon during the first week of July, the state has registered the worst monsoon in half a decade. This has raised serious concerns on whether climate change is making a severe impact on the climate of Sikkim.
As per data available with the Indian Meteorological Department, Sikkim faced a 35% deficit in rainfall between June 1 to July 8, 2025.
As per information provided by the Director of the Meteorological Centre Gangtok, GN Raha to Northeast Live, five out of six districts in the state have received deficit rainfall, raising concerns over agriculture, water availability, and the overall ecological balance. Gyalshing recorded the highest deficit at –49%, followed by Gangtok at –37%, Mangan –34%, Pakyong –23%, and Namchi –20%. Significatly, Soreng, with a –13% deficit rainfall, was the only district to fall under the “normal” category.
G.N Raha further stated that 2025, marks a dramatic shift in the monsoon pattern when compared to the last four years, all of which witnessed either normal or excess rainfall. A handwritten record reviewed from the IMD Gangtok reveals the following trend.
While, 2024 saw a +68% excess rainfall, 2023 had +18% excess rainfall, 2022 recorded +44% excess rainfall, and 2021 saw +15% excess rainfall. According to Director, IMD Gangtok, G N Raha, this sharp decline has made 2025 the worst monsoon year in half a decade for the Himalayan state.
Significantly in October 2023, Sikkim experienced a devastating flood event triggered by a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF), caused by a landslide into South Lhonak Lake. This event was exacerbated by heavy rainfall and climate change, resulting in significant loss of life, infrastructure damage, and displacement of people.The flood caused widespread destruction along the Teesta River valley, including damage to hydropower plants and other infrastructure. The disaster resulted in at least 55 confirmed deaths and 74 missing persons, highlighting the severity of the event.
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