Sikkim flash flood: 53 lives lost, 27 recovered from Teesta river flooding
Sikkim Flash Flood: The toll from the flash floods in Sikkim has tragically risen to 53, with a search effort underway to locate missing individuals. This devastating natural disaster was triggered by a cloud burst that struck the Teesta river in Sikkim, resulting in widespread destruction.
On October 6, officials reported that Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, utilizing both foot patrols and boats, had recovered 53 bodies from the slush and debris left behind by the flash flood. Among the casualties were seven Army personnel who had gone missing in the Bardang area, while one had been rescued earlier. The search continues in both Sikkim and the neighbouring northern part of West Bengal, through which the Teesta river flows, in a bid to locate the remaining missing individuals.
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As of now, 142 people are still unaccounted for, while approximately 2,413 people have been successfully rescued and are currently residing in shelters.
In response to this tragedy, Sikkim's Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹4 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the flash flood. Additionally, ₹2,000 was provided to each individual being sheltered in relief camps. CM Tamang emphasized the extensive damage caused, estimating it to be in the thousands of crores of rupees. However, exact details regarding the damage would only be known once a committee conducts a comprehensive analysis. He underscored that the immediate priority was to save those stranded and provide them with necessary relief.
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The calamity has severely impacted road connectivity between districts, with bridges being washed away and communication in North Sikkim severely disrupted. The Chief Minister has sought assistance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, President Droupadi Murmu, and other Union Ministers, all of whom have pledged their support.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has approved the release of ₹44.8 crore from the Central share of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to provide relief to those affected by the flash flood. An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) will soon visit the affected areas of Sikkim to assess the damage caused by a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), cloudburst, and flash floods.
The flash flood in the Teesta river, triggered by the cloudburst in Lhonak Lake, resulted in the accumulation of a significant amount of water. This surge of water caused destruction as it moved downstream, damaging power infrastructure, and flooding towns and villages. Thirteen bridges in the State were destroyed, eight of them in Mangan district alone, along with three in Gangtok and two in Namchi. Chungthang town bore the brunt of the flood, with 80% of it severely affected. The crucial NH-10, considered the lifeline of the State, sustained extensive damage at several points.
The search for the remaining 15 missing Army personnel is ongoing downstream near Teesta barrage. Bardang, the site of the incident, has seen Army vehicles recovered and stores retrieved. Tracker dogs and special radars have been deployed in search operations. Surveys are being conducted by various agencies to assess the damage and plan for the restoration of road connectivity. The road link between Singtam and Bardang has been partially restored for vehicular traffic.
CM Tamang assured evacuees of free medical treatment and logistical support up to Siliguri for those from outside the State who wish to return home. He attributed the disasters to the "flawed and substandard" developmental models of past governments and criticized the Opposition for politicizing the natural calamity.
- With inputs from agencies
