Sikkim cloudburst leaves 23 army personnel missing; rescue operations underway
Flashfloods in Sikkim
By Our Special Correspondent
New Delhi, October 4: Twenty three army personnel are reported to be missing in the Bardang area of Singtam in Sikkim following cloudburst over Lhonak Lake. The cloudburst caused flashflood in the Teesta River, sending slush along the riverine course and adjacent areas.
As many as 23 personnel are reported to be missing, while some vehicles also submerged under slush at Bardang near Singtam, said PRO, Guwahati, Ministry of Defence in a post on X. Cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in Mangan triggered a flashflood in Teesta River in the Lachen valley, affecting army establishments along the valley. “Due to sudden cloud burst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim, a flash flood occurred in the Teesta River in Lachen valley,” added the spokesperson for the army in Guwahati.
It has also been stated that some army establishments along the valley have been affected and efforts are on to confirm details. “Release of water from the Chungthang dam led to a sudden increase in water level up to 15-20 feet high downstream. This led to army vehicles parked at Bardang near Singtam getting submerged,” added the spokesperson further in the post on X.
While stating that search operations are underway, the spokesperson also stated that the flash flood at Muguthang in North Sikkim resulted in complete damage of two permanent bridges at Dikchu and Toong. “Locals are being rescued by BRO Karamyogis and rescue operation is under progress to save lives,” added the official.
Vice chairman of Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, VK Sharma, told the All India Radio that “flooding is reportedly caused by a cloudburst and probable outburst of glacial lakes in Mangan district, which is being ascertained”. He also stated that while the disaster affected telephone and road connectivity on national highway 10, which connects Sikkim to West Bengal, at several places, loss of life is yet to be confirmed. The AIR quoted him saying that the release of 4000-6000 qusecs of water from Teesta dams caused flooding and washing away of bridges, disrupting connectivity.
“We are all aware of the recent natural calamity that has struck our state. Emergency services have been mobilized to the affected areas, and I personally visited Singtam to assess the damages and engage with the local community,” posted Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on X.
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