Nation

Sikkim Floods: Toll Rises To 19, 103 Still Missing. Washed Out Roads Leave 3,000 Stranded

October 6, 2023
Bharat Times

Sikkim Floods: The toll due to flash floods in Sikkim has risen to 19 while 103 people, including 22 army personnel, are still missing as Army and NDRF teams continue a search for them through slushy earth and fast-flowing water in the Teesta river basin for the second day. A cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim in the early hours of Wednesday triggered the flash flood leading to massive destruction in the state. Meanwhile, the West Bengal government said four bodies were identified as ‘jawans’.

Chief Secretary V B Pathak said that more than 3,000 people including several bikers, foreigners and nearly 700-800 drivers are stranded in Lachen and Lachung, adding that they will all be rescued by helicopters of the Army and Air Force.

“As per the checkpost data available, around 3000 people are stranded in Lachen and Lachung. 700-800 drivers are stuck there. 150 people who have gone there on motorcycles are also stuck there…we will evacuate all with helicopters of the Army and Air Force. Army made those who are stuck in Lachen and Lachung speak to their families through voice over internet,” the Chief Secretary added.

The floods have wreaked havoc in the state and severely destroyed the business of locals who survive on the income from tourism the state offers. The shops along the NH-10 near Rambi in Kalimpong which connects Sikkim and Kalimpong district are facing trouble as they’re not getting customers.

“The situation is bad right now. Our livelihood is dependent upon the tourists that come here but right now, there are no tourists. But more than our livelihood we are worried for those who are trapped because of flashfloods, we hope they’re rescued”, Swapna Gupta, shopkeeper, told ANI.