A devastating cloudburst over Lhonak Lake has unleashed a catastrophic flash flood in the Teesta river basin in Sikkim, resulting in tragic consequences. According to reports from the Indian Army, at least 55 lives have been lost, including eight Indian Army personnel, and over 140 individuals remain missing as of the latest update. The search and rescue operations are actively underway, with the primary focus on locating and rescuing the missing individuals.
Key Updates on the Sikkim Flash Floods:
- Rising Death Toll: The latest information indicates that the death toll has tragically risen to 55. Out of these, 27 bodies have been recovered from Sikkim, while the remaining casualties were found in the basin of the Teesta River in West Bengal.
- Rescue and Relief Efforts: The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) has reported that approximately 2,413 people have been successfully rescued from the affected areas. Furthermore, 1,203 houses have been damaged due to the flash floods. Disturbingly, about 25,065 individuals have been affected by this disaster, prompting the relocation of 6,875 people to relief camps. Numerous bridges and roads have also suffered severe damage.
- Government Response: Minister of State for Home Affairs, Ajay Kumar Mishra, convened a meeting with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang at the latter’s residence in Gangtok to assess the gravity of the flash flood situation. During the meeting, MoS Mishra assured the state government that the central government is closely monitoring the situation and is providing all necessary support and assistance to address the crisis.
- Indian Army’s Commitment: The Indian Army has expressed profound condolences over the loss of eight of its personnel in the disaster. It has committed to concerted search and rescue efforts to locate and rescue the remaining 14 missing soldiers and any other civilians who may be trapped or stranded due to the flash floods.
- CM’s Assessment: Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang visited the flood-affected areas and relief camps at Naga Village in Mangan to assess the situation firsthand. He emphasized that the maximum damage occurred in the Teesta River region following the breach of the 1200 MW dam in Chungthang, Mangan district. He also voiced concerns about “substandard construction work” undertaken by the previous government in the state.
The flash floods in Sikkim have left a trail of destruction, taking lives, displacing thousands, and causing significant damage to infrastructure. The government, along with the Indian Army and various disaster management agencies, remains fully committed to rescue and relief efforts to mitigate the impact of this tragic event.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the affected families during this challenging time, and we stand united in providing support to the people of Sikkim.
