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Environment Sikkim floods: 14 dead, 102 missing including 22 Indian Army soldiers and...
Sikkim floods: 14 dead, 102 missing including 22 Indian Army soldiers and tourists stranded
At least 14 people have lost their lives while reportedly more than 102 others went missing after flash floods in the Teesta River basin triggered by a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim on Wednesday. There are 22 army soldiers who were on rescue operation among those who have gone missing.
According to the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, around 2,011 people have been rescued till now even though around 22,034 people have been impacted by the disaster. The lake outburst has led to falling of the Chungthang dam, the largest hydropower project in the state.
West Bengal affected
Several districts in the northern part of West Bengal, which share the border with Sikkim have also been flooded due to flash floods in the Teesta River basin. These include Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts in the northern part of the state.
The National Highway 10 which connects Sikkim’s capital Gangtok and Siliguri, the largest city in northern West Bengal, has been completely washed away near the Likhuvir-Setijhora stretch, as per a statement released by the Government of West Bengal.
Why the flash floods happened
According to National Disaster Management Authority, Govt of India, “In the early hours of October 4, there was a sudden surge in water flow in the Teesta river, which washed away several bridges, parts of NH-10, the Chungthang dam and has impacted several small villages, towns and infrastructure projects in the upper reaches of the river valley. The main districts affected are Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong and Namchi.”
Talking about the cause of the flash flood, the NDMA has stated, “While scientists are investigating the exact cause of the flash flood, the primary reason for the sudden surge appears to be a likely combination of excess rainfall and a GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) event at South Lhonak lake in North Sikkim. The Lake is at a height of 5,200 metres, with a towering ice-capped feature at about 6,800 metres to the north of and in close proximity to the lake.”
“Efforts to expand the mitigation programme are being expedited, while sustained investigations into the causes of this event are underway. Further, this region is known for highly localised heavy rainfall events. Therefore, efforts to improve the predictive ability of such events will also be intensified in collaboration with relevant agencies,” the NDMA further stated.
The CM says
Taking to social media platform X on Thursday afternoon, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) shared, “A high-level meeting was convened at Mintokgang to assess the current situation and evaluate the extent of damages. I have issued instructions to all pertinent officials, departments, District Magistrates (DMs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs) to maintain a state of heightened vigilance and attend to the requirements of the affected public with utmost diligence. In order to ensure accurate and timely information dissemination, the Chief Secretary (CS) will provide daily updates to the press.”
A high-level meeting was convened at Mintokgang to assess the current situation and evaluate the extent of damages. I have issued instructions to all pertinent officials, departments, District Magistrates (DMs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs) to maintain a state of… pic.twitter.com/XRuHonKBdY
— Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) (@PSTamangGolay) October 5, 2023
Tourists stranded
Sikkim gets a large number of tourists throughout the year from the neighbouring state of West Bengal. At least 3000 tourists are reportedly stranded in Sikkim due to the flash floods. Their relatives and family members are unable to connect with them as mobile phone network and internet connectivity have been disrupted owing to the disasters. These include tourists majorly from West Bengal. Several tourists from other parts of India are also currently stranded in Sikkim.
Relief and helpline
The state government has established 26 relief camps across the four impacted districts namely Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong and Namchi to provide relief and support.
Emergency helpline numbers have also been issued for the affected citizens. For any information or assistance relating to the disaster caused by the flash floods, citizens may contact the following HELPLINE numbers. 03592-202892 – Landline 03592-221152 – Landline 8001763383 – Mobile 03592-202042 – Fax Or call ‘112’ for emergency assistance.
The Indian Army also shared three helpline numbers to assist family members of those who have gone missing. For assistance in North Sikkim, the helpline number is 8750887741; for East Sikkim – 8756991895 and the helpline number for enquiries related to the 22 missing Indian Army soldiers is 7588302011.
Prime Minister, Defence Minister express concern
Expressing his concern at the disaster in Sikkim, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on microblogging platform X “Spoke to Sikkim CM Shri @PSTamangGolay and took stock of the situation in the wake of the unfortunate natural calamity in parts of the state. Assured all possible support in addressing the challenge. I pray for the safety and well-being of all those affected.”
Spoke to Sikkim CM Shri @PSTamangGolay and took stock of the situation in the wake of the unfortunate natural calamity in parts of the state. Assured all possible support in addressing the challenge. I pray for the safety and well-being of all those affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 4, 2023
