Flash Floods in Sikkim Following Cloudburst, Sections of NH-10 Damaged

On Wednesday, connectivity to Sikkim, including its capital Gangtok, was disrupted when sections of NH-10. The state’s vital link to the rest of the nation, were washed away by the surging Teesta river. The river’s water level surged significantly due to a cloudburst that triggered a sudden flood in the northeastern state. This cloudburst took place at Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim. It resulted in the river’s flooding, which courses through Sikkim and West Bengal.

Authorities have launched a major search operation to find 23 Army personnel who went missing in the flash floods. Locals recorded videos showing the powerful river waters washing away a large section of the road. The Central Water Commission reported that at 6 am on Wednesday. The Teesta river was flowing below the warning level but anticipated surpassing it within the next six hours.

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Flash floods devastate Singtam, Teesta river, and nearby towns; extensive damage and rescue operations underway in North Sikkim

The flash flood swept through the River Teesta, causing the destruction of the Indreni Bridge in Singtam town, situated approximately 30 kilometers from Gangtok, leading to its washing away. The Gangtok District Administration informed the news agency ANI that the connecting bridge in the Balutar hamlet was swept away around 4 am. Authorities have evacuated numerous residences near the river basin in Singtam to temporary relief camps within the town.

Authorities have successfully evacuated residents living in Chungthang town, located approximately 90 kilometers north of Gangtok near the Teesta Dam. The defense ministry reported that damage affected two bridges Dikchu and Toong towns, connecting Singtam to Chungthang in North Sikkim. The Border Road Organisation (BRO) is actively participating in the rescue efforts for local residents in these areas.

Authorities had issued a flash flood alert earlier for the northern and eastern districts of Sikkim due to substantial rainfall in these areas since the previous night.The alert stated that low-lying areas, including Gazoldoba, Domohani, Mekhaliganj, and Ghish, might face potential impacts and advised residents to remain vigilant

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, during his visit to Singtam, mentioned that although there have been no reported injuries, substantial damage to public infrastructure has occurred. Additionally, there have been reports of some individuals going missing, and relief efforts are currently underway.

An alert message from the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority has advised residents residing along the Teesta riverbanks. Also to evacuate their residences for their safety.

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