Gangtok, March 21 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued a warning through the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) 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 pow...