Sikkim Flash Floods: Three Dead, Rescue Operations Underway As Teesta Water Level Recedes

The death toll in the Sikkim flash floods has risen to three, with the recovery of three bodies from Singtam during the ongoing rescue and relief efforts, according to the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority.

Sikkim is currently grappling with a devastating crisis as flash floods, triggered by a cloudburst in the Teesta river region, have wreaked havoc.

The calamity has led to the sudden disappearance of 23 Army personnel, prompting a massive search operation by the Indian Army to locate them, as reported earlier.

The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) has compiled a comprehensive report that sheds light on the extent of damage inflicted by the flash floods in Sikkim.

The report underscores that the districts most severely impacted are Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi.

In Mangan District, the Toong Bridge has been severed due to collapse, while the Phidang Bridge also met a similar fate. Four sturdy houses in Phidang were swept away, along with two houses in Dikchu.

Furthermore, houses situated along the riverbanks remain in jeopardy, with two GREF (General Reserve Engineer Force) laborers reported missing at Sangkhalang, along with an additional individual from Phidang.

The deluge has also wreaked havoc at Toong, where the GREF Crusher Plant and Old Police Barrack have been washed away, while four individuals have been reported missing.

At Sangkhalang, the Forest Guest House and two government quarters units were swept away.

Gangtok, the state capital, has also experienced the brunt of the calamity, with four injured individuals taken to Singtam Hospital.

SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) has successfully rescued 25 people, with ongoing efforts to rescue more.

In Namchi district, the LD Kazi Bridge and Indreni Bridge have both succumbed to the force of the flash floods.

A relief camp has been established at Namphing Sai Mandir, currently housing 500 individuals, with plans for permanent relief set up at Pranami Mandir.

As per the latest reports by Hindustan Times, the water level in the Teesta river was below the danger mark at 1 pm on Wednesday (4 October) and there is no flood situation around it, according to Central Water Commission data.