Sikkim witnessed a catastrophic event as a glacial lake in the North West region, known as South Lhonak Lake, burst its banks, unleashing a torrent of flash floods. This devastating incident occurred in the wake of relentless rainfall on a fateful Wednesday morning, resulting in grave consequences. Local authorities have placed areas near the River Teesta on high alert, responding to the unfolding disaster.
Ugyen Tshering Gyatso Bhutia, the representative of the Tumin–Lingee Assembly constituency in Sikkim, expressed, "In the early hours of Wednesday, South Lhonak Lake in North West Sikkim succumbed to an outburst, a consequence of the unceasing monsoon rainfall. The vicinity around the River Teesta has been placed on high alert."
Providing further details about the calamity, the Gangtok District Administration stated, "The flash flood surged through the River Teesta, sweeping away the Indreni Bridge in Singtam town, approximately 30 kilometers from Gangtok. Furthermore, a connecting bridge in the Balutar hamlet was also washed away around 4 am."
The toll of this disaster has been deeply felt, with 23 army personnel currently reported as missing. Sources indicate that both military and paramilitary forces, as well as laborers engaged in low-lying areas, may have been tragically swept away by the relentless force of the flash flood.
In light of these developments, the Mangan District Administration has placed Chungthang town, situated 90 kilometers north of Gangtok, under heightened alert. This town houses the Teesta Stage 3 Dam, and as a precautionary measure, local residents have been evacuated from the area.
Similarly, the Teesta Stage 5 Dam at Dikchu in the Mangan district has been activated for water release following the alert. It has been reported that the control room of this dam has sustained severe damage, adding to the gravity of the situation.
Numerous homes located in the vicinity of the River Teesta, particularly in Singtam, Gangtok, have been evacuated to ensure the safety of residents. In addition, temporary relief facilities have been established at Singtam Senior Secondary School, offering support during these trying times, according to officials.
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