In the wake of a devastating cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim, a flash flood in the Teesta River basin has led to a grim situation. As of now, fourteen bodies have been recovered, while 102 individuals remain unaccounted for, including 22 Army personnel. The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) has reported the successful rescue of 2,011 individuals. However, this calamity has impacted a total of 22,034 people.
The search for the missing soldiers is ongoing, with a particular focus on downstream areas, as the fast-flowing river may have carried them to lower regions. The state government has established 26 relief camps across the affected districts. Presently, 1,025 individuals have found refuge in eight camps in Gangtok district, while figures for the remaining 18 camps are currently unavailable.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang personally visited Singtam, one of the most severely affected areas, to assess the situation. He emphasized the importance of vigilance and urged citizens to seek shelter in secure locations. He assured them that the government was taking all necessary steps for their rehabilitation.
Following his visit, Chief Minister Tamang chaired an emergency meeting at the Singtam Community Centre. He stated, "The government is fully committed to providing all necessary assistance and relief to those in need." He called for unity and cooperation from the administration, local authorities, organizations, and individuals to collectively address the challenges posed by this calamity.
The flash flood in the Teesta River, triggered by the cloudburst in Lhonak Lake, led to a significant accumulation of water, which surged towards Chungthang dam, causing substantial damage to power infrastructure before inundating towns and villages downstream.
The chief minister is in constant communication with the central authorities. He has spoken with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who assured full support to the state. Additionally, Chief Minister Tamang has written to the prime minister, seeking immediate assistance for the areas in urgent need.
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The flood has wreaked havoc, destroying 11 bridges in the state, with eight in Mangan district alone. Two bridges were washed away in Namchi and one in Gangtok. Furthermore, water pipelines, sewage lines, and 277 houses, both makeshift and concrete, have been obliterated in the four affected districts._1696507593.jpeg)
Chungthang town bore the brunt of the flood, with 80% of the area severely impacted. The vital NH-10 considered the lifeline of the state, suffered extensive damage at multiple locations.
Tragically, seven individuals lost their lives in the Pakyong district, four in Mangan, and three in Gangtok, as per the SSDMA. Among the 102 missing persons, 59 are from Pakyong, including army personnel. Additionally, 22 are missing in Gangtok, 16 in Mangan, and five in Namchi. The SSDMA has reported 26 individuals sustaining injuries.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is actively involved in rescue operations in Chungthang and Mangan, despite relentless rainfall and adverse weather conditions. More than 200 people have been relocated to safer areas by the BRO. Search and rescue efforts for the missing army personnel persist.
Families of the missing persons have been apprised of the situation. The Trishakti Corps extended mobile connectivity to stranded civilians and tourists in Chungthang, Lachung and Lachen in north Sikkim.
This calamity has deeply affected the population, with around 10,000 people impacted in Mangan district, 6,895 in Pakyong, 2,579 in Namchi, and 2,570 in Gangtok.
The SSDMA advises everyone to stay away from the Teesta River, as water levels are rising due to incessant rains upstream. Officials from the 17 Mountain Division report that water levels are increasing in the Chungthang area until 11:30 a.m. The state Tourism Department remains in contact with stranded tourists, ensuring their safety and well-being.
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