A cloud burst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim resulting in a flash flood in the Teesta River in Lachen Valley on Wednesday. According to the reports, three people are dead and at least 23 Army personnel have been reported missing.
According to the chief secretary of the state, around 15,000 people have been affected and at least 8 major bridges have been washed away along the banks of Teesta river.
Visuals show dams being breached and bridges washed away. The main highway connecting Sikkim to West Bengal state fell apart and Gangtok was cut off by road.
The Border Road Organisation (BRO) has launched rescue operations and 80 locals have been safely evacuated.
Flash floods in Sikkim were compounded by the release of water from the Chungthang dam that led to a sudden increase in water levels up to 15-20 feet high downstream. Teesta River water completely washed away the Indreni steel bridge in Gangtok’s Singtam.
“We are all aware of the recent natural calamity that has struck our state. Emergency services have been mobilized to the affected areas, and I personally visited Singtam to assess the damages and engage with the local community,” Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang posted on X.
