Sikkim-Bengal Floods HIGHLIGHTS: ITBP Rescues 68 People Stranded In North Sikkim
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At least 14 people were killed, and 102 were still missing, as a result of a devastating flash flood caused by a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim in the early hours of Wednesday (October 4). Three of the bodies were discovered in north Bengal. In addition, one of the 23 army personnel reported missing earlier in the day has been found. The flood, which began around 1:30 AM, was exacerbated by the release of water from the Chungthang dam, news agency PTI reported citing officials.
Three of the deceased were discovered in north Bengal, while one of the 23 missing army personnel was later found. The flash flood, which began at approximately 1:30 AM, was aggravated by the release of water from the Chungthang dam. Gangtok Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mahendra Chettri reported, "Five bodies have been recovered from the Golitar and Singtam region." In addition to the 22 army personnel, 47 civilians have gone missing. Fortunately, 166 individuals, including the rescued army member, have been successfully evacuated.
According to Defence Spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat, the rescued soldier's health condition is stable, PTI reported.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Wednesday to evaluate the state's situation and provide comprehensive support in response to the crisis. The Sikkim government declared the natural disaster a state of calamity through an official notification.
The surge in water flow from the Teesta River resulted in extensive damage, including the destruction of bridges, sections of NH-10, and the Chungthang Dam. Multiple small villages, towns, and infrastructure projects in the upper reaches of the river valley were affected, particularly major districts like Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi.
Flash Floods In Bengal's Kalimpong Trigger Large-Scale Evacuations, NH 10 Closed
Various areas in Kalimpong, including Teesta Bazar and Rampu, have been hit by heavy rain resulting in floods. National Highway 10, which links Siliguri with Gangtok, was closed near Kalimpong, reported ABP Ananda. A red alert has been issued in areas near the banks of the Teesta, including Ghazaldoba, due to a rise in the water levels. The heavy rain in north Bengal triggered flash floods in areas like Kalimpong.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after holding a meeting at state secretariat Nabanna said arrangements have been made to evacuate people from Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Jalpaiguri to safer places. Senior state ministers and officials have been rushed to North Bengal to oversee the rescue operations and distribution of relief materials.
According to the India Meteorological Department, parts of sub-Himalayan West Bengal (north Bengal) received very heavy rain over the past 24 hours. "Pedong received 19 cm rain, Kalimpong 13 cm, Darjeeling 12 cm, Lava 11 cm, and Jhallong 10 cm from 8.30 AM on Tuesday to 8.30 AM Wednesday," the IMD said.
Sikkim Flood Toll Rises To 25, 143 Still Missing
Army and NDRF teams have recovered 25 bodies including seven army men from the debris of the flash flood which swept through Sikkim’s Teesta river, PTI reported. Officials said 143 are still missing though some 2,413 people have been rescued.
26 Students From Meghalaya Stranded In Sikkim, Helpline Activated
At least 26 students from Meghalaya are stranded in Sikkim after the flash flood cut off roads and bridges in the Himalayan state, PTI reported. To help those stranded, the Meghalaya government activated a helpline -- 1800 345 3644.
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