Sikkim Flash Flood Update: A devastating cloud burst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim on October 4th led to a catastrophic flash flood in the Teesta River, particularly affecting the Lachen Valley. Tragically, at least 14 people have lost their lives, and 102 individuals are still missing in the aftermath of this natural disaster in the tiny hilly state of Sikkim.
The flood in Sikkim began around 1:30 a.m. and was exacerbated by the release of water from the Chungthang dam. As a result, several towns located in the Teesta basin, including Dikchu, Singtam, and Rangpo, have also been inundated by the surging river waters.
The situation has led to a dire predicament for over 3,000 tourists who find themselves stranded in various parts of Sikkim. Fortunately, some relief efforts have been successful in rescuing 166 people, including army personnel. The search and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work tirelessly to mitigate the impact of this devastating flood and provide aid to those affected.
The cloudburst occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, and the swirling waters swept away parts of a dam at Chungthang, which is the state’s largest hydropower project, worsening the flooding downstream, and exacerbating the Sikkim flash flood.
The Sikkim government has declared the calamity a disaster under the Disaster Management Act.
Amid the doom and gloom, the Army gave a heartening update on Wednesday evening when it shared that one of the 23 soldiers that had gone missing from Bardang near Singtam town has been rescued and his condition is stable.
Deaths, Destruction
A senior official in the Sikkim government confirmed that 10 people, all of them civilians, have died, and 82 are still missing due to the devastating Sikkim flash flood.
“As many as 14 bridges – nine under the Border Roads Organisation and five under the State government – suffered extensive damage and collapsed. Over 3,000 tourists are feared stranded,” said the official.
Around 14 workers working in the Teesta Stage 3 dam in Chungthang, parts of which were swept away, are still stranded in the tunnels.
Injuries and missing persons have been reported from Chungthang in Mangan district, Dikchu and Singtam in Gangtok district, and Rangpo in Pakyong district. Over 25 people have been rushed to various hospitals, the official added.
Mobile networks and broadband connections have been disrupted in Chungthang and most of North Sikkim due to fiber cable lines being destroyed by the flash floods in Sangkalan and Toong in the Mangan district. The police station in Chungthang has also been destroyed.
Soldier Rescued
“Troops of Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army launched a massive search-and-rescue operation to trace the 23 missing soldiers in the wake of the Sikkim flash flood. The search operations are being undertaken under conditions of incessant rains and fast-flowing water in the Teesta River with the roads and bridges washed away at many places. By evening, one soldier had been rescued, and the search operation for the other 22 personnel continues,” an Army official said.
The Army said family members of the missing persons have been contacted and informed about the situation, and all other Indian Army personnel posted in Sikkim and North Bengal are safe but are unable to contact their family members due to disruptions in mobile communication.
The State government has made a request for three extra platoons of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in response to the Sikkim flash flood, which the central government has approved. One platoon of NDRF is already undertaking relief and rescue efforts in Rangpo and Singtam towns.
One of the three additional NDRF platoons will be airlifted to Chungthang for rescue operations. Food and civil supplies will also be taken to Chungthang once the weather improves for air connectivity, a state government official said.
To import necessities from Siliguri, Bailey bridges will be laid by the Indian Army and the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, Sikkim Chief Secretary VB Pathak said.
The State government has also set up 18 relief camps in Singtam, Rangpo, Dikchu, and Adarsh Gaon, which are the areas that have seen the most destruction in the aftermath of the Sikkim flash flood.
Image Source: Isro
‘Red Alert’ in Sikkim Flash Flood in the North
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has taken a proactive stance in response to the Sikkim flash flood crisis. He recently visited Singtam to assess the situation firsthand and urged all residents of the state to remain vigilant during this challenging time.
In a statement, Mr. Tamang emphasized the gravity of the recent natural calamity, stating, “We are all aware of the recent disaster that has befallen our state. Swift action has been taken to deploy emergency services to the affected areas. I personally visited Singtam to evaluate the extent of the damage and engage with the local community.” This demonstrates the commitment of the state government to addressing the Sikkim flash flood crisis and providing support to affected individuals and communities.
Destruction in Sikkim Flash Flood
The flood destroyed 11 bridges in the state, of which eight bridges were washed away in Mangan district alone. Two bridges were destroyed in Namchi and one in Gangtok. Water pipelines, sewage lines, and 277 houses, both kuchcha and concrete, have been destroyed in the four affected districts.
Tragically, an Army jawan hailing from Odisha, Saroj Kumar Das, who had been reported missing in the Sikkim flash floods along with 22 other army personnel, was discovered deceased on Thursday. Saroj Kumar Das, a resident of Kendudhipa village in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district, was stationed at an Army camp when a sudden cloudburst triggered a flash flood in the Teesta River in North Sikkim.
Odisha’s Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, expressed his deep sorrow, stating, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Odia jawan Saroj Kumar Das in the tragic incident resulting from the floods in Sikkim. His unwavering dedication to serving the nation will forever be etched in our hearts. May his soul find eternal peace. My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving family members.” This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers in the line of duty.