Sikkim-Bengal Floods HIGHLIGHTS: ITBP Rescues 68 People Stranded In North Sikkim

Sikkim-Bengal Floods LIVE: Please follow this space for all the latest update on Sikkim-Bengal floods.

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Sikkim-Bengal Floods LIVE: Hello and welcome to the Sikkim-Bengal Floods live blog, please follow this space for all the latest update on Sikkim-Bengal floods.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 ClosedVarious 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. 

06/10/2023 23:00:33

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.

06/10/2023 21:05:47

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.

06/10/2023 19:39:24

ITBP Rescues 68 People Stranded In North Sikkim

In the Sikkim flash flood, 68 persons were stranded at the height of 16000 feet, cut off for the last 3 days. ITBP rescue team launched a massive rescue operation and evacuated all 68 persons. In another rescue operation 6 officials of Teesta Power Project, Chungtham were also safely rescued: ITBP said. 

06/10/2023 17:45:05

Sikkim Flash Floods: Roads Washed Away, Houses Damaged In Richu Village

Roads washed away, houses damaged in Richu village of Mangan district following flash floods in Sikkim

06/10/2023 16:56:18

Congress Leader Adhir Chowdhury Writes To CM Mamata Over Bengal Flood Situation

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury writes to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over flood situation in the state.

06/10/2023 15:40:47

Sikkim Flash Floods: Toll Rises To 22, Total 103 People Still Missing

On third day after a flash flood wreaked havoc in Sikkim's Teesta basin, the number of bodies recovered from the river and mud embankments rose to 22, including seven army men. A total of 103 people, including the 15 jawans, remained missing.

06/10/2023 15:06:27

Sikkim-Bengal Floods LIVE: Disaster Dealt Damage Worth Rs 1,000 Crore To Hill State, Says CM Golay

"There have been damages worth Rs 1,000 crore. We cannot give exact details about damages, it will be revealed once a committee is formed and it completes its analysis. Our first priority is to save those who are stranded and provide them immediate relief," says Sikkim CM PS Tamang Golay.

06/10/2023 13:47:09

Sikkim-Bengal Floods LIVE: Overflowing Teesta Wrecks Kalimpong's Teesta Bazaar

Widespread destruction is seen in Kalimpong's Teesta Bazaar area as flooded Teesta river damages buildings, and vehicles; restoration work underway.

06/10/2023 11:05:41

Sikkim-Bengal Floods LIVE: Ops To Restore Connectivity And Evacuate People From Flood-Hit Areas Continue

Defence officials have said the Department of Military Affairs is coordinating the rescue & relief operations being carried out by the military personnel in the flash flood-affected areas of Sikkim. Civic officials working towards restoring the connectivity of roads and communication to evacuate stranded citizens from the affected areas. 

06/10/2023 09:25:18

Sikkim-Bengal Floods LIVE: Hope For Stranded Tourists As Skies Begin To Clear Up

Troops of TriShakti Corps Indian Army have been able to account for 1,471 tourists in Lachen/Chatten, Lachung, and Chungthang. With the weather improving today, there could be a window of opportunity for evacuation of the stranded tourists by helicopters, says PRO Defence (Guwahati).

The search for the missing Indian Army personnel continues. Meanwhile, the Indian Army is providing assistance in terms of food and medical aid and extending communication facilities to civilians and tourists stranded in North Sikkim.

06/10/2023 08:25:44

Sikkim-Bengal Floods LIVE: Areas Along Teesta Put On High Alert As River Swells

Areas near Teesta river put on high alert in Sikkim amid flash flood warning.

05/10/2023 23:55:10

Centre To Assess Damage To Hydropower Plants In Sikkim After Flood Water Recedes: Power Minister

The central government will make a detailed assessment of damage to hydropower projects in Sikkim after the flood water recedes, the Ministry of Power said on Thursday, PTI reported.

05/10/2023 22:15:12

Relief Camp Set Up For Flood-Hit People In Sikkim

A relief camp has been set up for people affected by the flash flood in the Teesta river basin in Sikkim

05/10/2023 21:29:56

Indian Army Personnel Deployed In Flood-Affected Parts Of Sikkim

Indian Army personnel have been deployed in all parts of Sikkim affected by flash floods. The troops are making all possible efforts to help the civilians, stranded tourists affected by the flash floods in the state, ANI reported. 

05/10/2023 21:00:33

Sikkim Govt Urges Tourists To Postpone Travel Plans

As a flash flood left a trail of destruction in Sikkim, the government on Thursday urged tourists to postpone their programmes till the situation normalises. "In view of the unprecedented situation created by flooding in Teesta river, all the tourists planning to visit Sikkim are advised to postpone their travel to a later date till the situation normalises," the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department said in an advisory.

05/10/2023 19:47:18

Sikkim Flash Floods: Rescue Teams Continue Search, 102 People Still Missing

Army and NDRF search teams continued their rescue operation in the Teesta basin and downstream north Bengal for a second day, PTI reported. Fourteen bodies have been found so far while 102 people, including 22 army personnel, are still missing after a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim on Wednesday.

05/10/2023 18:44:54

All Schools, Colleges In Sikkim To Remain Closed Till October 15

All government and private schools, colleges and universities in Sikkim will remain closed till October 15 due to the inclement weather, according to a revised circular by the state Education Department on Thursday, PTI reported.

05/10/2023 17:15:54

Two NHPC Hydro Power Plants Affected Due To Sikkim Flash Floods

State-owned NHPC's two hydro power plants in Teesta Basin in Sikkim have been affected following flash floods, PTI reported. 

05/10/2023 16:58:15

Sikkim Flash Flood Toll Rises To 14, 102 Still Missing

Fourteen bodies have been recovered so far while 102 people, including 22 Army personnel, remained missing after a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim triggered a flash flood in the Teesta river basin, PTI reported. 

05/10/2023 13:28:44

Search Ops To Trace 22 Missing Soldiers Continue

Search and Rescue operation by troops of Trishakti Corps, Indian Army to trace the 22 missing soldiers continues. Continued efforts are on to dig out the vehicles submerged under the slush at Burdang near Singtam.

05/10/2023 13:26:57

Troops Of Trishakti Corps Extend Medical Aid, Telephone Connectivity To Civilians, Tourists Stranded In North Sikkim

Troops of Trishakti Corps are extending medical aid and telephone connectivity to civilians and tourists stranded in the areas of Chungthang, Lachung, and Lachen in North Sikkim, the Indian Army said in a statement. 

05/10/2023 11:42:45

16 Houses Damaged, More Than 100 Taken To Relief Camp In Sikkim’s Mangan, Bengal Guv Visits Darjeeling

16 houses were damaged, and more than 100 people were taken to a relief camp in a nearby government school in Dikchu of Mangan District. A search and rescue operation is underway, as ANI reported.

 

05/10/2023 11:33:54

‘Situation Very Disturbing, There Is Uncertainty Even Now’: Bengal Guv Visits Affected Areas In Darjeeling

In Darjeeling, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose said, "The situation is very disturbing. People have suffered and there is uncertainty even now. Flash floods are something that cause concern everywhere. We have to see what can be done immediately and what preventive measures can be taken...A calamity does not have any geographical borders...So, close cooperation with all stakeholders is necessary - whether it is Governments, civil society, management authorities and people --- all of them have to act together," as quoted by ANI.

05/10/2023 10:52:48

BRO's Project Swastik Carries Out Rescue Ops With State Administration In North Sikkim's Chungthang, Mangan

Project Swastik of BRO carried out damage mitigation along with rescue operations in coordination with State Administration in the severely affected Chungthang and Mangan area of North Sikkim where four critical bridges have been severely damaged. More than 200 persons have been moved to safer areas.

05/10/2023 10:19:11

Will Speak To Chief Engineer, Super Engineer And Know What The Situation Is: Bengal Minister And TMC Leader Partha Bhowmick

Speaking on flash floods in Kalimpong, West Bengal minister and TMC leader Partha Bhowmick said, "I have come here to monitor the situation. We will speak to the chief engineer and super engineer and know what the situation is. We will discuss the further steps. The meeting is at 9 a.m," as quoted by ANI.

05/10/2023 09:39:43

Several Villages In Bengal’s Purba Medinipur District Reel Under Flood As Bagui And Keleghai Rivers Overflow

Several villages in Potashpur of West Bengal’s Purba Medinipur district were reeling under flood as the Bagui and Keleghai rivers overflowed. Several people leave their houses and move to safer areas. A relief camp has been set up by the administration.

05/10/2023 08:35:04

Indian Army Releases 3 Helpline Numbers For Families of Missing People In Sikkim

The Indian Army has started three helplines for families of missing people in Sikkim including its own soldiers. The numbers are given below: 

Army Helpline No for North Sikkim - 8750887741

Army Helpline for East Sikkim - 8756991895

Army Helpline for missing soldiers - 7588302011

05/10/2023 08:32:52

West Bengal Guv To Visit Affected Areas

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose is scheduled to visit the flood-affected districts in the northern part of the state on Thursday.

05/10/2023 08:32:10

Bengal Flood Situation: 10,000 People Rescued, Says CM Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that 10,000 people have been rescued and kept in 190 relief camps in nine districts in the southern and northern parts of the state.