In Sikkim flash flood, 14 dead, 102 missing, 3000 tourists stranded, and scary new images of Lhonak Lake

The flash flood wreaked havoc in Sikkim on Wednesday (October 4), has so far claimed 14 lives. 102 people are still missing, which includes including 22 army personnel.

This disaster was triggered by a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim, leading to a sudden flash flood in the Teesta River basin.

All 14 who died have been identified as civilians including 3 of the dead who were washed up in north Bengal, officials said. One of the 23 army men who had gone missing in the morning has been rescued.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Wednesday to take stock of the situation in the state and assured him of all possible support.

"Spoke to Sikkim CM Shri @PSTamangGolay and took stock of the situation in the wake of the unfortunate natural calamity in parts of the state. Assured all possible support in addressing the challenge. I pray for the safety and well-being of all those affected," Modi said on X.

Dear Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji,

We express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support to Sikkim during these challenging times. Your swift response and invaluable assistance are deeply appreciated. Together, we will embark on the journey of rebuilding and… https://t.co/uYxdhTBHSB

— Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) (@PSTamangGolay) October 5, 2023

What happened

The flood originated from a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim, causing an abrupt surge in the Teesta River's water levels. The situation worsened with the release of water from the Chungthang dam, leading to a rapid rise in water levels downstream, reaching a height of 15-20 feet.

The flood situation in Sikkim, which commenced around 1.30 am, was further exacerbated by the release of water from the Chungthang dam.

ALSO READ: Why the Sikkim flash flood was a catastrophe waiting to happen

Lhonak Lake is one of 14 lakes in India that are potentially prone to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). GLOFs are caused by the sudden release of water from a glacial lake, and can be extremely destructive.

VIDEO | "More than 5,000 people across villages have been affected. Necessary relief is being provided to them," says @AnitThapa14, Chief Executive, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration on flash floods in Teesta river affecting north Bengal and Sikkim. pic.twitter.com/YJ2ZJxq8jp

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 5, 2023

Thousands of tourists stranded

The calamity left over 3,000 tourists from various parts of the country stranded in different parts of Sikkim, as confirmed by Sikkim Chief Secretary VB Pathak.

Furthermore, several workers employed with the Teesta Stage III dam in Chungthang found themselves trapped within the tunnels of the dam, reported PTI.

SALUTE TO THE SILENT HEROES

Throughout this devastation, a silent group of heroes have been working to rescue those who have been stuck in flooded buildings.

Here's to the #Teesta Rescue Teams who are working tirelessly to save lives.#Sikkim #Darjeeling #Floods #DamBurst pic.twitter.com/F55UHJW9Td

— The Darjeeling Chronicle (@TheDarjChron) October 4, 2023

Infrastructure damage

The flooding has taken a severe toll on the state's road infrastructure, resulting in extensive damage.  A total of 14 bridges have collapsed, with nine under the Border Roads Organization (BRO) and five under the state government's jurisdiction.

Parts of National Highway-10, the main link between Sikkim and the rest of the country, were washed away, while a flood alert was issued for North Bengal and Bangladesh through which the Teesta River flows.

Widespread impact

Scores of missing and injured individuals have been reported from various locations in the affected districts, including Chungthang in Mangan district, Dikchu, Singtam in Gangtok district, and Rangpo in Pakyong district.

Meanwhile, downstream North Bengal was badly affected too as water from the swollen Teesta river innudated parts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri disricts, reported PTI.

WOAH!!!! 🤯🤯🤯

The area of the glacial South Lhonak lake was 167.4 Hectares.

The area of the storage of Teesta III dam in Chungthang, Sikkim was - 6.4 hectares.

Approximately 100+ hectares of water is thought to have burst out of South Lhonak lake. After rolling down the… pic.twitter.com/9TbI1aci8n

— Anand Sankar (@kalapian_) October 4, 2023

Government response and assistance

PM Modi reached out to Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang to assess the situation and assure all possible support. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his concern for the missing army personnel.

In response to the crisis, the Sikkim government declared the natural calamity as a disaster.

CM visited Singtam and took stock of the situation. Later, the state government set up 18 relief camps in Singtam, Rangpo, Dikchu and Adarsh Gaon to house the displaced people, reported India Today.

ALSO READ: Army personnel missing in Sikkim flash flood, NH10 washed away

Communication disruptions, schools closed

While all other Indian Army personnel posted in Sikkim and North Bengal are reported safe, disruptions in mobile communication have made it challenging for them to contact their family members.

Ongoing restoration work at Singtam (Sikkim)

Indreni bridge washed away yesterday in the vigorous flow of Teesta river

5th October 2023
Video from Prahlad Bhakta Ji pic.twitter.com/840eKVAobs

— Weatherman Shubham (@shubhamtorres09) October 5, 2023

Additionally, schools in Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi districts will remain closed until October 8 due to the ongoing crisis.

Possible cause of the flood

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has said the possible cause of the flash flood in Sikkim could be a combination of excess rainfall and a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) event at South Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim.

The NDMA also said the Himalayan ranges are host to many glacial lakes, estimated through remote sensing techniques at about 7,500 and of these, Sikkim has around 10 per cent of which nearly 25 are assessed to be at-risk, reported India Today.

Helpline numbers

The Indian Army issued some helpline numbers in the wake of flash floods in Sikkim.

Army Helpline for East Sikkim - 8756991895

Army Helpline No for North Sikkim - 8750887741

Army Helpline for missing persons - 7588302011