Flash floods in Sikkim: 33 dead found, 60,000+ impacted. 10 facts we now understand

 Flash floods in Sikkim: 33 dead found, 60,000+ impacted. 10 facts we now understand

A cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim in the early hours of October 4 caused the Sikkim flash flood, which had a flood-like scenario in the Teesta River in the Lachen Valley and impacted 60,870 people, according to PTI. 

The Teesta River's trash and slush have reportedly yielded 33 dead, including 9 soldiers, according to the most recent sources. 

Over 105 people are still missing, according to the authorities, and searches are still being conducted. 

Additionally, 40 remains were discovered downstream of the Teesta River in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, with 10 of them having been so far identified.

Currently, 2,563 persons have been rescued from different parts of the state as a result of rescue operations. 

According to the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), 105 persons remain unaccounted for, with 63 of them missing in the Pakyong area, 20 in the Gangtok district, 16 in Mangan, and 6 in Namchi.

Special radars, drones, and Army dogs are being used to aid with the search activities. While 21 dead were found in Pakyong, 6 in Gangtok, 4 in Mangan, and 2 in Namchi were also discovered.

The National Highway 10 in Sikkim was affected by the flash flood, which also caused damage to the Teesta River bridges and road surface. The route between Rangpo and Singtam is being expanded and widened. 

The East Sikkim region offers other ways to Gangtok, the state capital. However, North Sikkim's roads continue to be impassable beyond Mangan.

In North Sikkim's Chungthang, one of the worst-hit locations, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) claimed that 56 persons were rescued, including 52 men and four women. 

A total of 6,705 persons have found refuge in relief camps that have been established around the state.

In the four districts of Sikkim, the flash flood severely damaged around 1,655 homes and 14 bridges.