A cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim caused a flash flood that resulted in the loss of at least 21 lives. Over 100 people are still missing. The flood also caused the water levels of the Teesta River to rise, leading to extensive rescue efforts by the Army.
Here are the key points of the incident:
1. The cloudburst caused water to surge towards the Chungthang Dam, destroying power infrastructure. The floodwaters then continued downstream, flooding towns and villages.
2. Thirteen bridges were destroyed in the state, with eight in Mangan district, three in Gangtok, and two in Namchi.
3. A total of 103 individuals were reported missing, including Indian Army soldiers.
4. Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the downstream areas of the Teesta Barrage, with additional resources such as TMR teams, tracker dogs, and special radars being deployed.
5. The Indian Army has successfully evacuated 1,471 tourists from Lachen, Lachung, and Chungthang. More stranded tourists may be rescued with improved weather conditions.
6. Multiple agencies are assessing the damage and planning for the restoration of road connectivity. A road link between Singtam and Burdang has been partially restored.
7. Chungthang town was severely affected, with 80 percent of the town suffering damage. The NH-10 road sustained extensive damage.
8. Over 2,411 people have been evacuated and accommodated in relief camps, while over 22,000 individuals have been affected by the calamity, according to SSDMA.
9. The Indian Army is providing food, medical aid, and communication facilities to civilians and stranded tourists.
10. A 25-member NDRF team faced challenges in reaching Chungthang due to adverse weather conditions but carried essential communication equipment.
This tragic event highlights the need for swift and coordinated response efforts to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and save lives in affected regions.
