Shruti Suman
On Wednesday, Sikkim, including its capital Gangtok, experienced a disruption in connectivity as parts of National Highway NH-10 were washed away by an overflowing Teesta river. The flash flood was triggered by a cloudburst in the northeastern state, causing the river to swell to dangerous levels. This cloudburst occurred over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim, leading to the flooding of the river, which flows through both Sikkim and West Bengal.
A major search operation is currently underway to locate 23 Army personnel who have been reported missing since the flash floods struck.
Local videos captured the devastating sight of a significant stretch of road being washed away by the powerful river waters. According to the Central Water Commission, the Teesta river was flowing below the warning level at 6 am on Wednesday but was expected to exceed the warning level within six hours.
Rescue operations have also been conducted in Chungthang town, approximately 90 kilometers north of Gangtok, near the Teesta Dam. The defense ministry has reported damage to two bridges in Dikchu and Toong towns, which connect Singtam to Chungthang in North Sikkim. The Border Road Organization (BRO) is actively involved in rescuing locals in these areas.
Earlier, a flash flood alert had been issued for the north and east districts of Sikkim due to heavy rainfall since the previous night. The alert stated, “Low-lying areas such as Gazoldoba, Domohani, Mekhaliganj, and Ghish may be affected. Please remain vigilant.”
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, during his visit to Singtam, confirmed that while no injuries have been reported, there has been significant damage to public property, and some people have been reported missing. Relief operations are currently underway.
Residents residing along the banks of the Teesta river have been advised to evacuate their homes to ensure their safety. An alert message from the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority urged everyone to stay vigilant and avoid traveling along the Teesta river basin.
The weather office has also issued a statement, indicating that light to moderate rainfall is expected in Sikkim over the next 3-4 days.
