Sikkim: Flash flood in Teesta River due to cloud burst causes severe damage in many districts

AIR Pics In Sikkim, Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in parts of Lhonak Lake, Mangan District resulted in the rise of water levels along the Teesta River Basin in the early hours today causing a flash flood. 

State Disaster Management Authrity (SSDMA) has informed this. In Pakyong district, 23 army personnel have been missing and one person has been rescued at Bardang, where some vehicles are submerged under slush. Chief Minister PS Tamang has reached Singtam.

Severe damages have been reported in Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong and Namchi Districts. Many bridges have collapsed and houses washed away. Communication network in Mangan district surrounding Chungthang has been affected.

It remains cut off due to the Toong bridge collapse. Houses have been washed away in Phidang and Dikchu. Two GREF labourers are reported missing at Sangkhalang.

A GREF crusher plant and Old Police Barrack have been washed away at Toong and four people have been reported missing.

In Gangtok district, 25 people have been rescued by SDRF. 

In Namchi district, LD Kazi bridge and Indreni bridge have been washed away. 

Around 500 people are sheltered in relief camps, and a permanent relief camp has been set up at Pranami Mandir.

Sikkim's connectivity with West Bengal via Siliguri is blocked at least four places on National Highway 10.

Following a sudden rise in water level and flooding of Teesta River Basin, affecting low lying areas, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, visited the affected areas in Singtam this morning and took stock of the situation.

While all the emergency services are deployed for evacuation, the Chief Minister met the people of Singtam Bazar and Golitar areas and met the affected citizens. 

The Chief Minister urged the people to stay alert and take shelter in safe locations for now. He assured that the Government is making all necessary arrangements for evacuation and safe rehabilitation. 

He appealed to the people to remain calm and ensure their safety first. After visiting the affected areas, the Chief Minister convened an emergency meeting at the Community Centre, Singtam.