SIKKIM: The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, has granted approval for immediate relief funding amounting to Rs. 44.8 crore to address the devastating floods that have struck Sikkim. This assistance includes both installments of the Central share from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for the fiscal year 2023-24. The aim is to support the State in its efforts to provide relief and aid to the individuals affected by the sudden flash floods within Sikkim.

Tragically, the death toll in the Sikkim flash floods has risen to 21 individuals. Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been diligently working for three consecutive days, battling through challenging conditions such as muddy terrain and rapidly flowing waters in the Teesta river basin. They continue their search for those who were swept away and remain unaccounted for, according to official reports.

In response to the calamity, the Ministry of Home Affairs has established an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) to assess the extent of the damage caused by the glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF), cloud burst, and flash floods. This IMCT is slated to soon visit the affected regions of the State. Following the assessment conducted by the IMCT, any further additional Central assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to Sikkim will be determined, adhering to established procedures.

The tragedy unfolded when a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim, in the early hours of Wednesday, resulted in the flash flood that left a total of 103 people missing. Among those missing are 15 Army personnel who were involved in rescue operations.

Beyond Sikkim, the flood has also disrupted normal life in several districts, including Bankura, Howrah, Hooghly, Paschim Medinipur, and Purulia. Presently, a total of 9,215 individuals have sought refuge in 191 relief camps located in both the northern and southern districts of Bengal.

Sikkim Flood Impacts: NHPC Halts All Power Stations in Sikkim, Shares Decline Over 1%

Sikkim Cloud Burst: 1 Army Soldier Rescued Amid Tragedy, Pray for Others