Sikkim Flash Floods: 26 Dead, 142 Still Missing:
The State Disaster Management Authority has reported that the death toll resulting from flash floods in Sikkim has climbed to 26, with 142 individuals still unaccounted for.
As of the midnight report on October 6, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) documented a death toll of 26. They also noted the successful rescue of 2,413 individuals and reported damage to 1,203 homes due to the flash flood.
The flash flood was triggered by the Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim, which is fed by glacial waters, causing the Teesta River basin to experience a sudden deluge on October 4.
This calamity severely damaged 1,173 homes, resulted in 26 injuries and saw 13 bridges swept away due to the flash floods. Currently, 6,875 people are residing in 22 relief camps, and a total of 25,065 individuals have been affected by the flood, as reported by the Sikkim Disaster Management Authority.
The State Disaster Management Authority has reported that the death toll resulting from flash floods in Sikkim has climbed to 26, with 142 individuals still unaccounted for.
As of the midnight report on October 6, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) documented a death toll of 26. They also noted the successful rescue of 2,413 individuals and reported damage to 1,203 homes due to the flash flood.
The flash flood was triggered by the Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim, which is fed by glacial waters, causing the Teesta River basin to experience a sudden deluge on October 4.
This calamity severely damaged 1,173 homes, resulted in 26 injuries and saw 13 bridges swept away due to the flash floods. Currently, 6,875 people are residing in 22 relief camps, and a total of 25,065 individuals have been affected by the flood, as reported by the Sikkim Disaster Management Authority.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang chaired a high-level meeting to address the crisis, attended by several key officials and representatives from organizations such as the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and ITBP. In response to the disaster, the state government, in collaboration with Sikkim Urja Limited, has allocated a special financial relief package of Rs 25 crore for Mangan District and Rs 15 crore each for Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi districts.
The CM also emphasized the importance of preventing price inflation for essential commodities by offering subsidies for those transporting goods to the state via longer routes.
CM Tamang warned against hoarding and overcharging, announcing strict measures including the revocation of licenses for violators.
Additionally, the government is prioritizing the restoration of road and network connectivity in the severely affected regions of Mangan District, which have been completely cut off from the rest of the state. Efforts are underway to open road connectivity to Chungthang, and the road from Naga to Toong will be constructed when land availability permits.
Despite the calamity, numerous officials, personnel from the National Disaster Management Authority, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, and dedicated volunteers continue their tireless efforts in rescue and relief operations.
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) also played a crucial role in rescuing 68 individuals who were stranded at an elevation of 16,000 feet in North Sikkim for the last three days due to the flash flood. They managed to evacuate all of them safely.
As per Sikkim’s Chief Secretary, approximately 3,000 people, including tourists, drivers, and motorcyclists, have been stranded in Lachen and Lachung areas.
The flash floods, resulting from the glacial lake outburst flood and sudden surges in the Teesta River, have caused significant damage to bridges, parts of NH-10, the Chungthang Dam, and several towns and infrastructure projects in the upper reaches of the river valley in Sikkim.
The Sikkim government has established 18 relief camps in Singtam, Rangpo, Dikchu, and Adarsh Gaon, with the Indian Army and paramilitary forces setting up additional relief camps in Chungthang due to the lack of connectivity with the area.
The CM also emphasized the importance of preventing price inflation for essential commodities by offering subsidies for those transporting goods to the state via longer routes.
CM Tamang warned against hoarding and overcharging, announcing strict measures including the revocation of licenses for violators.
Additionally, the government is prioritizing the restoration of road and network connectivity in the severely affected regions of Mangan District, which have been completely cut off from the rest of the state. Efforts are underway to open road connectivity to Chungthang, and the road from Naga to Toong will be constructed when land availability permits.
Despite the calamity, numerous officials, personnel from the National Disaster Management Authority, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, and dedicated volunteers continue their tireless efforts in rescue and relief operations.
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) also played a crucial role in rescuing 68 individuals who were stranded at an elevation of 16,000 feet in North Sikkim for the last three days due to the flash flood. They managed to evacuate all of them safely.
As per Sikkim’s Chief Secretary, approximately 3,000 people, including tourists, drivers, and motorcyclists, have been stranded in Lachen and Lachung areas.
The flash floods, resulting from the glacial lake outburst flood and sudden surges in the Teesta River, have caused significant damage to bridges, parts of NH-10, the Chungthang Dam, and several towns and infrastructure projects in the upper reaches of the river valley in Sikkim.
The Sikkim government has established 18 relief camps in Singtam, Rangpo, Dikchu, and Adarsh Gaon, with the Indian Army and paramilitary forces setting up additional relief camps in Chungthang due to the lack of connectivity with the area.
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