A devastating natural calamity has struck the tranquil state of Sikkim, situated in the northeastern part of India. The region has been severely affected by flash floods and cloudbursts, resulting in a significant loss of life. Tragically, this disaster has claimed the lives of a minimum of 53 individuals, including seven soldiers. Additionally, in the neighboring state of West Bengal, 27 more bodies have been found along the Teesta riverbed in the last three days.
As the nation grapples with this tragedy, more than 140 individuals remain unaccounted for, while thousands find themselves displaced by the sheer force of this calamity. The Sikkim government has reported extensive damage to 1,173 houses, even as their valiant efforts have led to the successful rescue of 2,413 people.
However, the floodwaters have wreaked havoc on communication routes, submerging or washing out all bridges downstream to the Teesta-V hydropower station. This disruption has severely hampered access to North Sikkim, leaving the region cut off from the rest of the state.
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Chief Minister Takes Charge in the Aftermath of Flash Floods
In response to the challenging situation, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has assumed responsibility and is spearheading important discussions aimed at developing comprehensive plans for rescue, relief, and recovery efforts. The top priority currently is the restoration of road connectivity to Chungthang, and there are plans in motion to construct the road between Naga and Toong as soon as appropriate land becomes accessible.
To support the affected families, the government has announced compensation of ₹4 lakh each ($4,812 each) for the deceased. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts light to moderate rainfall in most areas of Mangan district over the next five days, posing additional challenges to the evacuation of over 3,000 stranded tourists.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has encountered difficulties in conducting rescue operations due to adverse weather conditions, including low cloud cover and visibility in the Lachen and Lachung valleys. Aerial rescue operations are expected to resume once the weather clears.
The flash floods and cloudbursts have caused extensive devastation in Sikkim, impacting over 25,000 individuals, causing damage to nearly 1,200 residences, and destroying 13 crucial bridges. Although rescue operations have successfully rescued 2,413 people, 6,875 individuals are still displaced and seeking shelter in 22 relief camps scattered across the state. This has led to a state of isolation for Sikkim, cutting it off from the rest of the country.
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