A sudden heavy rain over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim caused a rapid flood in the Teesta River, affecting the Lachen Valley. This unfortunate incident has led to the reported disappearance of at least 23 Army officers. In order to address the situation, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been mobilized to conduct search and rescue operations.
The flash flood caused damage to different areas as well.
(i) Mangan District:
- Chungthang was cut off from the outside world due to the collapse of the Toong Bridge.
- Phidang Bridge also collapsed.
- Four Pucca houses were washed away in Phidang.
- Two houses in Dikchu suffered the same fate.
- Homes along the river are currently at risk.
- Two GREF labourers were reported missing in Sangkhalang.
- Additionally, 1 person is missing in Phidang.
The GREF Crusher Plant and Old Police Barrack in Toong have been washed away, and there are reports of four people missing. The forest guest house and two government quarters located at Sangkhalang have been completely destroyed.
(ii) Gangtok:
- Four people were injured and taken to Singtam Hospital.
- The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has successfully rescued 25 people, with efforts continuing for more rescue operations.
(iii) Namchi District:
- LD Kazi Bridge and Indoreni Bridge were both washed away.
- A relief camp has been set up at Nanpin Sai Mandir. Currently, 500 people have taken shelter in these camps and a permanent relief facility has been set up at Pranami Mandir.
(iv) Pakyong area:
- Two minor injuries were reported.
- Unfortunately, there was one victim in West Bengal.
- One person is under observation at Rangpo Primary Health Centre.
- It is unfortunate that 23 army personnel are missing, while one person was successfully rescued in Bardang.
Efforts are currently being made to address this crisis, with a primary focus on conducting rescue and relief operations in the regions that have been affected. The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, has also evaluated the situation after the occurrence of the flash flood in Singtam.
Image Source- ANI
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