Sikkim Flood Updates: 18 Dead, 53 Missing in Cloudburst; Satellite Images Show Devastation

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posted on 1 year ago — updated on 1 second ago

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More than 1,500 people are sheltered in 16 relief camps at Gangtok, Pakyong and Mangan. Rescue efforts are still in progress

A cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim on Wednesday led to a flash flood in the Teesta River basin, which has claimed 18 lives so far while 53 people are still missing even as rescue efforts are in progress.

The flood, which commenced around 1.30 am, was exacerbated by the release of water from the Chungthang dam, according to officials. Sikkim chief secretary VB Pathak reported that more than 3,000 tourists from different parts of the country are stranded.

Toll Rises to 18, 53 People Still Missing as Search Continues

The death toll has risen to 18, while 53 people are still missing. A total of eight bridges have collapsed, while the damage to property and livestock is still being assessed. There are more than 1,500 people sheltered in 16 relief camps at Gangtok, Pakyong and Mangan. Rescue efforts are still in progress.

Satellite Images Show Devastation in

Furthermore, numerous workers employed at the Teesta Stage III dam in Chungthang find themselves trapped within the tunnels of the dam, Pathak noted.

14 Bridges Have Collapsed

Scores of people missing and injured have been reported from Chungthang in Mangan district, and Dikchu, Singtam in Gangtok district and Rangpo in Pakyong district, Pathak said. Another official said some 166 people have so far been rescued, including the army man.

“The health condition of the rescued soldier is stable,” Defence Spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said.

Bodies, including that of a child, were fished out from the flood plains of the Teesta river at Golitar in Singtam by rescue personnel, the officials said.

PM Speaks to CM Prem Singh Tamang

“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,” Modi said on X.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also prayed for the well-being of the missing army personnel.

Sikkim Govt Declares Calamity a Disaster

“Twenty-two army personnel have been reported missing and 41 vehicles submerged under the slush,” he said.

“All other Indian Army personnel posted in Sikkim and North Bengal are safe but they are unable to contact their family members due to disruptions of mobile communication,” a defence official said.

Rajeev Bhattacharya, 25, a tourist from Kolkata who was on a trek from Gangtok towards Singtam, told newsagency PTI over phone: “We saw a huge wave of water rushing at great speed through the valley and mangled remains of structures being swept away. Luckily, my friends and I were on high ground and not affected by the flash flood. We are now making our way back to Gangtok.” Several towns, including Dikchu, Singtam and Rangpo located in the Teesta basin, have also been flooded with the upsurge in the river.

Meanwhile, all schools located in Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong and Namchi districts will remain closed till October 8, the education department said.

Parts of National Highway-10, the main link between Sikkim and the rest of the country, were washed away, the officials said, adding, a flood alert has been issued for North Bengal and Bangladesh through which the Teesta flows.