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Cloudburst in Sikkim causes massive flash flood
Over 15,000 people have been affected and 23 army personnel have gone missing as the state grapples with a catastrophic flash flood
In the early hours of Oct 4, a cloudburst caused water levels of Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim to rise to dangerous levels with very high velocities leading to flash floods in the state.
The flooding in low-lying areas along the Teesta River Basin has caused severe damage in Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi Districts of Sikkim. Five people lost their lives while 23 army personnel deployed in rescue operations went missing as water levels increased up to 15-20 feet high downstream.
According to media reports, the floods have caused highways connecting Sikkim to West Bengal and other states to be inaccessible. The drinking water supply lines as well as the sewage lines in some parts are reported to be totally damaged.
A statement from Chief Minister’s office said the SDRF team from the State Home Guard and Civil Defence, Gangtok, and NDRF Pakyong has already been deployed in the affected areas. Government Schools and colleges in the affected areas have been declared closed by the government till Oct. 8.
Speaking to NIA, Archana Arul, a resident of Gangtok, said that while her area is safe, Singtam, Majitar, Rongpo (the border between West Bengal and Sikkim) are badly affected.“ Sikkim has not witnessed a massive disaster like this before,” she said.
Taking note of the situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Spoke to Sikkim CM @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
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