Cloudburst Triggers Flash Floods in Sikkim
Sikkim, a northeastern state in India, faced severe disruptions in connectivity, including the capital city of Gangtok, due to flash floods caused by a cloudburst. The overflowing Teesta river washed away sections of NH-10, the vital road link connecting Sikkim to the rest of the country.
As the flash floods wreaked havoc, 23 Army personnel were reported missing. A massive search operation has been launched to locate them and ensure their safety.
Teesta River’s Alarming Rise
Videos captured by locals depicted the devastation caused by the flash floods, including a substantial portion of a road being swept away by the surging Teesta river. The Central Water Commission reported that Teesta’s water levels were below the warning level at 6 a.m. but were expected to exceed it within six hours.
Destruction and Evacuations
The flash floods resulted in the inundation of the Indreni Bridge in Singtam town, situated approximately 30 kilometers from Gangtok. Additionally, a connecting bridge in the Balutar hamlet was washed away around 4 a.m. in the same area. Many homes near the river basin in Singtam have been evacuated, and residents have been relocated to temporary relief camps.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Residents of Chungthang town, located about 90 kilometers north of Gangtok near the Teesta Dam, have also been rescued. Furthermore, two bridges in Dikchu and Toong towns, connecting Singtam to Chungthang in North Sikkim, sustained damage. The Border Road Organisation (BRO) has been actively involved in rescuing locals affected by the floods.
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Prior to the flash floods, authorities issued flash flood alerts for the north and east districts of Sikkim. The region experienced heavy rainfall throughout the preceding night, with concerns raised about low-lying areas, including Gazoldoba, Domohani, Mekhaliganj, and Ghish. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and prepared.
Chief Minister’s Response
While visiting Singtam, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang acknowledged significant damage to public property and confirmed that some individuals were reported missing. Relief operations have been initiated to address the aftermath of the flash floods.
Residents living along the banks of the Teesta River were advised to evacuate their homes to ensure their safety. The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority issued an alert message, urging everyone to stay alert and avoid travel along the Teesta River basin.
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Weather Outlook
The weather office forecasted light to moderate rainfall in Sikkim for the next 3-4 days. It’s essential for residents and authorities to remain vigilant and prepared for potential weather-related challenges.
The flash floods in Sikkim, triggered by a cloudburst have disrupted connectivity. It also caused damage to infrastructure and necessitated rescue efforts. The state is mobilizing resources to address the situation and ensure the safety of its residents.
