Gangtok, Oct 06: Sikkim has been marred by a devastating natural disaster as the death toll from flash floods continues to rise. At least 40 lives have been lost in the aftermath of a glacial lake breach, with dozens of individuals still missing.
The catastrophe unfolded when the serene Lhonak Lake, nestled in the mountainous terrain of Sikkim, breached its banks. The trigger for this calamity was a cloudburst, which unleashed torrential rains, and a suspected avalanche that exacerbated the situation. The outcome was catastrophic flooding in the Teesta River and the surrounding regions.
Local authorities in Sikkim are grappling with the enormity of this disaster, which has struck just ahead of a popular festive and tourism season. It has left a staggering 22,000 people directly affected by the devastating floods.
Amidst the crisis, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) swung into action, deploying twenty-five personnel to Chungthang from Guwahati for critical rescue operations. However, unfavorable weather conditions posed significant challenges, forcing them to return to Bagdogra as the helicopter couldn’t safely land in the region.
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In the midst of this ongoing crisis, the Sikkim government has issued a heightened glacial lake burst alert. This alert serves as a stark reminder of the precarious environmental conditions in the region.
Authorities have also taken the extraordinary step of urging tourists to postpone their travel plans due to the hazardous aftermath of the flash floods. Of particular concern is the risk posed by explosives and ammunition that were reportedly washed away from an army camp during the floods.
Another looming threat is the Shako Cho Lake, located near Lachen, which stands at risk of bursting. Consequently, an extensive evacuation operation is underway as authorities prioritize the safety and well-being of the region’s residents.
Sikkim’s Chief Secretary, Vijay Bhushan Pathak, provided a grim update on the situation. He revealed that around 3,000 individuals find themselves stranded in the Lachen and Lachung areas, with an additional 3,150 people trapped due to the floods after embarking on motorcycle journeys. In response, the government has initiated helicopter evacuations, with both the Army and Air Force stepping in to assist in the rescue efforts.
As Sikkim grapples with this unprecedented natural disaster, the resilience and solidarity of the local community, as well as the coordinated efforts of various response agencies, stand as beacons of hope. The state’s leadership remains committed to ensuring the safety of its residents and visitors, underscoring the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of such calamities in the future.
