Sikkim is grappling with a devastating natural disaster as a flash flood, triggered by a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim, has left a trail of destruction. As of now, the toll stands at 8 lives lost, including 5 civilians and 3 army personnel. Moreover, 22 Army officers are still missing, further compounding the grim situation.

The flash flood was a result of a cloudburst that occurred over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim. This calamity was exacerbated by the release of water from a dam, causing a massive surge in the Teesta River basin. Tragically, five bodies have been recovered during rescue and relief efforts, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Adding to the crisis, NH-10, which connects Gangtok to Siliguri, has been entirely washed away near the Likhuvir-Setijhora stretch, severing critical transportation routes.

The response to this disaster has been swift, with the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba convening to review the situation. The Chief Secretary of Sikkim participated in the meeting via video conferencing, briefing the committee on the ongoing efforts by the state government in managing the relief and rescue operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally reached out to Sikkim’s Chief Minister Shri P.S. Tamang Golay, offering support and assistance in addressing this unfortunate catastrophe. His tweet expressed solidarity with the affected and underscored the importance of responding effectively to the challenge.

The release of water from the Chungthang dam led to a sudden surge in water levels downstream, causing widespread damage. It is evident that the state’s infrastructure, including bridges and roads, has been significantly impacted.

As the situation unfolds, rescue efforts are underway, with one Army column mobilized to rescue a stranded family in the Rangpo area. The release of over 8000 cubic meters per second of water from the Teesta barrage has resulted in flood-like conditions in downstream districts, including Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar.

This is a deeply distressing time, and the state’s Chief Minister has called for maximum vigilance to prevent further disasters. The West Bengal Chief Secretary will coordinate with disaster management, ensuring preparedness and swift action.

The catastrophic event underscores the importance of bolstering disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in vulnerable regions like Sikkim.

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