Kolkata: In a heartbreaking turn of events, North Sikkim experienced a devastating flash flood following a sudden cloud burst over Lhonak Lake on Wednesday morning. The catastrophe has claimed the lives of eight individuals, and as many as 69 people, including 22 army personnel, remain missing.
The flash flood wreaked havoc in the Teesta River, located in the Lachen valley, after water was unexpectedly released from a dam, causing a sharp surge in the river’s water level. This surge has led to widespread destruction, affecting several army camps, vehicles, and communities in the region.
Tragically, three of the deceased were found in north Bengal, far from their homes. Authorities have reported that 47 civilians are among the missing, while 166 people, including one army personnel, have been successfully rescued from the disaster-stricken areas.
The catastrophe unfolded at approximately 1:30 am, inundating various army facilities and civilian infrastructure. Rescue and relief efforts are currently underway, with defense officials working tirelessly to assess the extent of the damage.
The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) released a statement explaining that a cloudburst near Lhonak Lake triggered a rapid surge in water downstream along the Teesta River basin during the early hours of Wednesday. This surge inflicted significant damage to establishments in Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi districts.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the education department has announced the closure of all schools in the four affected districts until October 8, acknowledging the need for safety precautions amid the disaster.
The flash flood has also resulted in the partial destruction of National Highway-10, a crucial link connecting Sikkim to the rest of the country. Authorities have issued a flood alert for North Bengal and Bangladesh, through which the Teesta River flows, as a precautionary measure.
When questioned about the situation in Sikkim, officials cited the release of water from the Chungthang dam as the primary cause of the sudden surge in water levels downstream, reaching heights of 15-20 feet. Currently, 23 army personnel and 41 vehicles are reported missing, submerged under the slush.
The flash flood’s impact extended to infrastructure, with the Teesta River washing away the vital Indreni Bridge in Gangtok district. This 120-meter-long cable suspension bridge served as a critical transportation route over the Teesta River.
Rescue operations are in full swing, with the Border Road Organization (BRO) actively participating in evacuation efforts. The authorities have safely relocated 80 local residents, providing them refuge from the crisis.
Sikkim’s Chief Minister, P S Tamang, visited Singtam, one of the severely affected areas, to assess the situation and meet with senior officials. Expressing solidarity with the victims and their families, he assured them of the government’s unwavering support during this challenging time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh have both reached out to offer their support and prayers for the missing army personnel and the affected residents. The Sikkim government has declared the natural calamity as a disaster and is committed to addressing the ongoing challenges and providing necessary assistance to those affected.
As the state grapples with the aftermath of this devastating flash flood, the government is actively coordinating relief efforts to mitigate the crisis’s impact on the affected communities.