/>

Sikkim flash floods updates | One soldier, among missing 23, rescued

The Sikkim government, in a notification, said the natural calamity has been declared as a disaster

Updated - October 04, 2023 11:17 pm IST

Flooded Teesta river in north Sikkim, on October 4, 2023.

Flooded Teesta river in north Sikkim, on October 4, 2023. | Photo Credit: PTI

At least seven people have died and scores more were injured or missing after flash floods inundated Sikkim on Wednesday. The floods are believed to have been triggered after a lake, forming from the gradual melting of a Himalayan glacier, suddenly overflowed and inundated the Teesta river basin.

This destroyed the Chungthang dam, a key component of the State’s largest hydroelectric project, and washed away highways, villages, and towns. The worst affected districts were Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi. Twenty-two Army personnel were among those reported missing.

Chief Minister PS Tamang visited Singtam to assess the damage caused by the flash flood. He also held a meeting with senior officials at the Singtam Nagar Panchayat office and asked them to keep vigil.

Several bridges in the State have been washed away, while drinking water supply lines are reported to be totally damaged, as per the SSDMA. All government and private schools in Pakyong, Gangtok, Namchi and Mangan districts have been ordered to remain closed till October 8, 2023.

(Follow for all live updates)
Emergency Helpline Numbers

  • October 04, 2023 22:41
    About 105 hectares area of lake drained out: ISRO

    ISRO said it conducted a satellite-based study on the outburst of the South Lhonak Lake, Sikkim by obtaining satellite images over the lake.

    It said, “It is observed that Lake is Burst and about 105 Hectares area has been drained out (28 September 2023 image versus 04 October 2023) which might have created a flash flood downstream. ISRO will continue monitoring the lake further using the satellite data.”

    ISRO.jpg

  • October 04, 2023 22:05
    Excess rainfall, glacial lake outburst primary reasons behind flash flood: NDMA

    The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) says a combination of excess rainfall and a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) appear to be the primary reason behind the flash flood at South Lhonak lake in North Sikkim.

    “Satellite images received from NRSC (ISRO) at 0600 hrs today, reveal the draining out of more than half the lake, most likely as a result of an avalanche from the icecapped feature. CWC’s monitoring stations revealed that the first surge of water was 19 metres above the maximum water level at Sangkalang at 0130 hrs and 4 metres above the maximum water level at Melli at 0400 hrs,” the NDMA said in a statement.

    “Continued snowfall in upper reaches and rainfall and clouds in lower reaches is hampering deployment of helicopters and relief operations,” it further said.

    The NDMA also said that nearly 25 glacial lakes in Sikkim were assessed to be “at-risk”.

    “Recently, in order to mitigate the impact of a GLOF event in these lakes, an NDMA-led expedition in the first week of September 2023 had surveyed two at-risk lakes in order to eventually deploy early warning systems for real-time alerts. At the next stage, NDMA has planned to install early warning systems for real-time alerts at most of 56 at-risk glacial lakes in India,” it said. “Further, this region is known for highly localised heavy rainfall events. Therefore, efforts to improve the predictive ability for such events will also be intensified in collaboration with relevant agencies,” it added.

  • October 04, 2023 18:45
    7 dead, 23 Army personnel among 49 missing

    At least seven people are dead and 49 others, including 23 Army personnel, are missing after the cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim triggered a flash flood in the Teesta River basin, officials said.

    Three of the dead were washed up in north Bengal, they said.

    “Five bodies have been recovered from Golitar and Singtam region,” Gangtok Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mahendra Chettri said.

    Another official said 45 people are rescued, including 18 injured.

    “A steel bridge at Singtam, known as Indreni bridge, 30 km from the state capital Gangtok has been completely washed away by Teesta river water early Wednesday,” the official said.

  • October 04, 2023 16:41
    Flood in Sikkim started at night, made worse by release of water from Chungthang dam

    The flood that started around 1.30 a.m. in Sikkim was made worse by the release of water from Chungthang dam, according to officials.

    An image comparing the Chungthang dam in Sikkim before (in May 2023) and today (on October 4, 2023) following the flash floods in Sikkim. Photos: Special Arrangement

    The release of water from the Chungthang dam led to a sudden increase in water levels up to 15-20 feet high downstream, defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said.

    - PTI

  • October 04, 2023 16:06
    Sikkim govt. notifies flash floods in low-lying areas of Teesta river basin as disaster
  • October 04, 2023 16:03
    Rescue operation also conducted in North Bengal
  • October 04, 2023 15:39
    Information regarding the Temporary Relief Camp set up in Sikkim’s Namchi District

  • October 04, 2023 15:34
    3,000-4,000 people were evacuated last night in Sikkim

    Around 3,000-4,000 people were evacuated last night in and around Rangpo in Sikkim and 5 relief camps were also opened in the district, said an official.

    The heavy downpour that triggered the lake outburst reportedly damaged over 150 houses in the Industrial Belt (IBM) at Rangpo, on the banks of river Teesta.

    Following the devastation, an unidentified body was also discovered on Wednesday afternoon in the IBM area. In most of the houses, the lower two floors have been submerged in sediments and made redundant, said the official.

    - ANI

  • October 04, 2023 15:32
    43 missing in flash flood triggered by cloudburst in Sikkim

    As many as 43 people, including army soldiers and civilians, have been reported missing after South Lhonak Lake, situated in North West Sikkim experienced a glacial lake outburst and triggered flash floods due to incessant rainfall in the region.

    According to Sikkim District Magistrate, Tashi Chopel, “A lot of buildings and vehicles have been damaged by sludge. There are also reports of loss of lives, with around 20 people missing.

    - ANI

  • October 04, 2023 15:27
    NDRF teams deployed in Sikkim for rescue operations

    The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has pressed in three teams for rescue-and-relief operations, officials said

    A spokesperson of the federal contingency force said in Delhi that they have deployed one team at Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, and two teams in the adjoining state of West Bengal for the task.

    The force has so far rescued seven people. The NDRF teams are carrying ropes, ladders and other necessary equipment, the spokesperson said.

    - PTI

  • October 04, 2023 15:18
    I pray for the safety and well-being of all those affected: PM Modi
  • October 04, 2023 15:16
    Death toll rises to five

    “Five bodies have been recovered from Golitar and Singtam region, while three persons were rescued from Golitar,” Gangtok Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Mahendra Chettri said.

    “A steel bridge at Singtam, known as Indreni bridge, 30kms from the state capital Gangtok has been completely washed away by Teesta river water early Wednesday,” another official said.

    The Sikkim government, in a notification, said the natural calamity has been declared as a disaster.

  • October 04, 2023 14:43
    Manufacturing operations disrupted at Sikkim plant due to flash floods: Alembic Pharma

    Alembic Pharmaceuticals on Wednesday said flash floods in the Teesta River has led to disruption in operations at its Sikkim-based manufacturing plant.

    “We would like to inform that due to flash floods in river Teesta because of cloud burst, water entered our manufacturing facility at Namthang, South Sikkim, and hence manufacturing operations stand disrupted with effect from October 4,” the drug firm said in a regulatory filing.

    There is no loss or harm caused to any personnel, it said, adding that the assessment of loss will take a while.

    All assets of the company are adequately insured and necessary intimations have been given to insurance companies, it added.

    - PTI

  • October 04, 2023 14:20
    Drinking water supply lines are reported to be totally damaged: Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority
  • October 04, 2023 14:17
    India Meteorological Department says isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall very likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim from October 4 to October 6, 2023
  • October 04, 2023 13:50
    Water level in Teesta currently below danger mark, no flood situation around it: CWC

    The water level in the Teesta river was below the danger mark at 1 pm on Wednesday and there is no flood situation around it, according to Central Water Commission data.

    According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), the water level at three stations – Melli, Singtam and Rohtak – on the Teesta is below the danger mark but hovering near it.

    The water level at station Melli is 214.63 metres, while the danger level is 224 metres, it showed.

    “It has a rising trend. Water level is below warning Level. So, there is no flood situation around Melli,” the CWC said on its app.

    The current water level at station Singtam is 351.31 metres while the danger level is at 355.09 metres. “Water Level is below warning level. So, there is no flood situation around Singtam. Currently, no flood forecast is available for this location,” the CWC said.

    - PTI

  • October 04, 2023 13:28
    Distressed to learn about the 23 Army personnel who have been reported missing: Meghalaya CM

    Meghalaya Chief Minister, in a post on X (formerly, Twitter) said: Distressed to learn about the 23 Army personnel who have been reported missing following the cloud burst and flash flood in Sikkim. Praying for their safety and the well-being of the residents.

  • October 04, 2023 13:11
    Damage caused by flooding of the Teesta river in and around Singtam
  • October 04, 2023 13:04
    Bodies of three persons recovered

    Three persons have died, after a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim resulted in a flash flood in the Teesta River basin, which was aggravated by the release of water from a dam, officials said

    “Three bodies have been recovered from Singtam during rescue and relief efforts,” a Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority official said.

    Twenty-three army personnel have been reported missing and 41 vehicles submerged under the slush, he said, adding that search operations are underway.

    - PTI

  • October 04, 2023 13:00
    What are cloudbursts and is climate change making them more frequent? | Explained

    Cloudbursts are a common occurrence in Himalayan regions but experts are alarmed by the increase in extreme weather-related events. Cloudbursts are like a “a huge bucket filled with water that is toppled over,” said Anand Sharma, a retired meteorologist with the Indian Meteorological Department, the country’s weather agency.

    Read more here...

  • October 04, 2023 12:35
    Urge all our citizens to remain vigilant and refrain from unnecessary travel during this critical time: Sikkim Chief Minister
  • October 04, 2023 12:33
    Schools to remain closed in several districts, till October 8

    In view of flooding of Teesta river, all government and private schools in Pakyong, Gangtok, Namchi and Mangan districts shall remain closed till October 8, 2023.

    - AIR News Gangtok

  • October 04, 2023 12:26
    Flood-like situation in Sikkim’s Singtam after a cloud burst
  • October 04, 2023 12:21
    It’s time to help each other and stay united, says BJP State chief

    In the wake of the devastation caused by cloud burst in Sikkim, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Dilli Ram Thapa urged the people of the State to stand together in difficult times and help each other to overcome the destruction.

    “Several properties have been damaged. We cannot even estimate right now how much devastation has taken place. I request all institutions to support Sikkim,” said Thapa adding, “I took stock of the situation in the morning and will do it again. Rescue operations are underway,” he assured.

    “Today a big situation has arisen in front of the people of Sikkim. I request everyone, all the people of Sikkim to stand together in these times and help each other out of this destruction,” added the Sikkim BJP chief.

    - ANI

  • October 04, 2023 12:20
    Mamata expresses concern over Sikkim flash flood, missing Army personnel

    West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday expressed concern over reports that 23 soldiers went missing following a flash flood in Sikkim, and assured all possible help on the part of her government.

    “Deeply concerned on getting the news of 23 soldiers missing after a flash flood in Sikkim which followed a cloudburst in the region. While expressing solidarity and promise of assistance from our government side if sought on this matter, I also urge all concerned in North Bengal to maintain maximal vigil in the current season to prevent disasters. Have already asked my Chief Secretary to coordinate disaster management preparedness measures ASAP,” Ms. Banerjee posted on X.

    Ms. Banerjee also said that her administration has taken efforts to evacuate people to safer locations in Kalimpong, Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts in West Bengal following heavy rain in the last few days.

    “All steps have been taken to evacuate people in the districts of Kalimpong, Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri to safer places. Senior ministers of the state and senior IAS officers have been rushed to North Bengal to oversee rescue and relief operations. Close vigil is being kept to ensure no loss of life in this grave calamity,” the Chief Minister added.

    - PTI

  • October 04, 2023 12:16
    Flash flood at Muguthang in North Sikkim resulted in complete damage of two permanent bridges at Dikchu and Toong
  • October 04, 2023 12:14
    Lake ‘outburst’ has been reported at Chungthang, North Sikkim: IMD

    A lake ‘outburst’ has been reported at Chungthang, North Sikkim with water levels “rising constantly,” according to M. Mohapatra, Director General, India Meteorological Department, Wednesday morning.

    A flooded locality at Muguthang in north Sikkim, on October 4, 2023

    The excess water from the lake burst is draining water into the river Teesta. “Low lying areas in West Bengal such as Gazoldoba, Domohani, Mekhaliganj, and parts of Bangladesh may be affected,” the IMD said.

    - Jacob Koshy

  • October 04, 2023 12:12
    Search operations under way for missing Army personnel

    According to the Defence Spokesperson, Guwahati, 23 Army personnel are reportedly missing and some vehicles submerged under slush at Bardang near Singtam after a flash flood in the Teesta River in Lachen valley caused due to sudden cloud burst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim. Search operations are underway.

    - Dinakar Peri

  • October 04, 2023 11:28
    Karnataka Deputy CM prays for safety of Indian Jawans

    Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar tweeted: The news of our 23 Army personnel missing during a flash flood due to cloudburst in #Sikkim is distressing. I join the nation in praying for the safety & well being of our jawans. Hoping all of our jawans are found safe & sound.

  • October 04, 2023 11:05
    Two permanent bridges at Dikchu and Toong damaged

    The Ministry of Defence in Guwahati tweeted that the flash flood at Muguthang in North Sikkim damaged two permanent bridges at Dikchu and Toong . Locals were rescued by BRO Karamyogis.

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.