Gangtok: As many 14 people were reported to be dead and 135 people were misding in the cloud burst in the glacial lake Lhonak in northern parts of Mangan district in Sikkim that triggered flash floods in the Teesta River. The incident has also resulted in the inundation of low-lying areas in Dilchu, Singtam, Rangpo, Melli and northern areas of Mangan district.
There are reports that the 14 people were washed away in the flood, while employees of the Patel engineering company were reported to be stuck while 135 were feared missing in the Teesta river floods rhat wreaked havoc downstream.
The connectivity to the north Sikkim has been breached as the two bridges connecting Dzongu with North Sikkim district of Mangan have been washed away by the surging Teesta river, revealed report.
The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, Sikkim police and administration have issued an alert for residents residing in the low-lying region and launched the rescue operation to locate the missing people.
The flash flood was exacerbated by the bursting of Lhonak Lake, which unleashed a major discharge into the Teesta River, causing widespread damage to homes, highways and properties in the low lying areas of north Mangan district.
While neither the Army nor the Sikkim government has officially released information regarding the missing individuals, including the 23 army personnel, Chief Minister Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang expressed his profound shock and sadness over the incident.
He described the event as a tragic consequence of the sudden surge in the Teesta River caused by the cloud burst in North Sikkim.
In a statement, Chief Minister Tamang said, "In this challenging time, I want to extend my heartfelt support to all the victims and their families affected by this sudden and unfortunate event. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone during this difficult hour."
He assured the public that the government is fully committed to providing all necessary assistance and relief to those in need. He emphasized the gravity of the situation and the mobilization of valuable resources to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens.
"I urge all local authorities, organizations, and individuals to join hands in the spirit of solidarity and cooperation. Together, we can make a significant difference in providing relief to those affected and rebuilding our community. Let us stand united and support one another during this time of ordeal," Chief Minister Tamang added.
The Chief Minister personally visited the affected locality in Singtam, interacted with the affected residents, and held a meeting with local administration officials.
The flash floods have resulted in the flooding of numerous houses in low-lying towns and breaches along the national highway along the Teesta River. The situation is compounded by overcast weather and continuous heavy rains in the northern part of the state.
Chief Minister Tamang emphasized the need for vigilance and urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during this critical time.
He called for a collective effort to maintain hope for a swift return to normalcy in the region.
The search and rescue operation for the missing army personnel is underway, and emergency services are actively engaged in the affected areas.
