On a fateful day Flash Floods Strike Sikkim, the serene landscape turned into a scene of chaos as an overflowing Teesta river wreaked havoc on the state’s vital transportation artery, NH-10, severing its connection with the rest of India. The catastrophe unfolded as a cloudburst unleashed a sudden and devastating flash flood in this remote northeastern region of the country.
The trigger for this calamity was a cloudburst that struck Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim. The torrential downpour overwhelmed the lake and swelled the Teesta River, which meanders through Sikkim and West Bengal. The result was catastrophic, with a major section of NH-10, a lifeline for the state, being washed away by the raging waters.
As the news of the disaster spread, the entire region was plunged into a frantic search and rescue mission, especially for the 23 Army personnel who were reported missing in the wake of the Flash Floods Strike Sikkim. Families anxiously waited for any news of their loved ones as rescue teams braved treacherous conditions to locate and bring them to safety.
Amateur videos captured by local residents revealed the scale of destruction, showcasing a gaping void where the road once stood, now replaced by a turbulent and surging river. The Central Water Commission, which monitors water levels in India, reported that at 6 a.m. on that fateful Wednesday, the Teesta River was flowing below the warning level. However, they predicted that it would breach that level within a mere six hours.
The devastating impact of the flash flood was keenly felt in Singtam town, located approximately 30 kilometers from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Here, the flash flood surged through the River Teesta, sweeping away the Indreni Bridge and cutting off vital transportation links. The Balutar hamlet also witnessed the destruction of a connecting bridge around 4 a.m. The Gangtok District Administration swiftly swung into action, evacuating many households situated near the river basin in Singtam to temporary relief camps within the town.
Further north, in Chungthang town, some 90 kilometers from Gangtok and close to the Teesta Dam, residents found themselves in dire straits. They, too, faced the wrath of the flash flood. The defense ministry reported damage to two bridges in Dikchu and Toong towns, which were crucial for connecting Singtam to Chungthang in North Sikkim. To mitigate the crisis, the Border Road Organisation (BRO) embarked on extensive rescue operations, working tirelessly to reach and aid the affected locals.
In anticipation of such a disaster, a flash flood alert had been issued earlier for the north and east districts of Sikkim. The region had experienced heavy rainfall throughout the previous night, raising concerns about potential flooding. The alert cautioned residents of low-lying areas, including Gazoldoba, Domohani, Mekhaliganj, and Ghish, to be on high alert.
Thankfully, there have been no reported casualties as of yet. However, the flash flood has caused substantial damage to public infrastructure, and there are reports of several individuals who remain unaccounted for. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who was visiting Singtam to oversee the rescue operations, acknowledged the severity of the situation and assured that relief efforts were underway.
In light of the ongoing crisis, residents living along the Teesta riverbanks received urgent advisories to evacuate their homes as a safety precaution. An alert message issued by the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority urged everyone to remain vigilant and to refrain from traveling along the Teesta River basin, given the precarious conditions.
As the region grapples with the immediate aftermath of this devastating flash flood, rescue and relief operations are in full swing. Authorities are working tirelessly to restore connectivity and provide aid to the affected areas. While the situation remains fluid and challenging, the indomitable spirit of the people of Sikkim, along with the concerted efforts of rescue teams and government agencies, provides hope for recovery and rebuilding in the wake of this natural disaster.
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