Sikkim Flash Flood Claims 14 Lives, Leaves 102 People missing

Asif Iqbal | October 5, 2023 | 02:11 PM IST | Breaking News, Sikkim |

Sikkim Flash Flood Claims 14 Lives, Leaves 102 People Unaccounted For. Pic/ daily excelsior

In a devastating turn of events, North Sikkim faced a catastrophic cloudburst that triggered flash floods, causing widespread destruction and loss of lives. Here’s an in-depth look at the aftermath of this natural disaster.

Widespread Devastation Unleashed

The cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim sent shockwaves through the region, with a staggering death toll of fourteen individuals and 102 still missing. Among the missing are 22 army personnel, adding to the gravity of the situation. The calamity unfolded on a tragic Wednesday, affecting a staggering 22,034 people, according to the latest update from the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA).

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Rescue and Relief Efforts

As the state grapples with this unprecedented disaster, the government has sprung into action, establishing 26 relief camps across the four hardest-hit districts. Presently, over 2,000 individuals have been successfully rescued. However, a significant number of people continue to be in distress, with 1,025 seeking refuge in Gangtok district alone. Unfortunately, data on the remaining relief camps’ occupancy is currently unavailable.

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Infrastructure Devastation

The flash flood, unleashed by the cloudburst in Lhonak Lake, unleashed a deluge of water that wreaked havoc on the region. It targeted the Chungthang dam, causing extensive damage to power infrastructure before surging downstream, inundating towns and villages in its path. This natural disaster left 11 bridges in ruins, with Mangan district bearing the brunt, losing eight of them. Namchi and Gangtok were not spared either, suffering damage to two and one bridge, respectively. The impact was not limited to bridges alone; water pipelines, sewage lines, and a staggering 277 houses, both kuchcha and concrete, were obliterated across the affected districts.

Unprecedented Impact on Chungthang Town

Chungthang town, one of the hardest-hit areas, bore the maximum brunt of the flood, with an alarming 80% of the town severely affected. Furthermore, the lifeline of the state, NH-10, has sustained extensive damage at multiple locations, compounding the challenges faced by the authorities.

Toll and Missing Persons

As per the SSDMA, seven people lost their lives in Pakyong district, four in Mangan, and three in Gangtok. Among the 102 missing persons, 59 hail from Pakyong, including the army personnel, while 22 remain unaccounted for in Gangtok, 16 in Mangan, and five in Namchi. In addition to the loss of lives, 26 people have sustained injuries, further emphasizing the scale of the disaster.

Relief in the Face of Adversity

Despite relentless heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been actively engaged in rescue operations in Chungthang and Mangan. The focus has been on critical bridge restoration, with more than 200 individuals successfully moved to safer areas. Search and rescue operations for the missing army personnel remain ongoing, offering a glimmer of hope in these challenging times.

The Human Toll

The calamity has left a significant impact on the affected districts, with approximately 10,000 people in Mangan district, 6,895 in Pakyong, 2,579 in Namchi, and 2,570 in Gangtok grappling with the aftermath of this devastating cloudburst.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.