• By Abhirupa Kundu
  • Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:30 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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Sikkim Cloudburst: Sikkim on Wednesday woke up to flash floods as it swept through several parts of the state. The flash floods in the northeastern state were triggered after a cloudburst hit the south Lhonark Lake, situated in North West Sikkim causing incessant monsoon rainfall during the wee hours of the day. The rapid flooding made its way through River Teesta sweeping Indreni Bridge in Singtam town, located 30 kilometres from Gangtok, the district administration informed. 

Around 4 am, the flood water swept away the connecting bridge of Balatur hamlet. The areas near River Teesta have been put on high alert and residents have been evacuated from the flood-prone pockets. 


Meanwhile, as many as 23 army jawans have been reported missing after the flash floods occurred in the Teesta River of Lachen Valley. officials said. 

"23 army personnel have been reported missing due to a flash flood that occurred in Teesta River in Lachen Valley after a sudden cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim," Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) Guwahati posted on social media platform 'X'. 

ALSO READ: Sikkim Cloudburst News: At Least 23 Army Personnel Missing, Vehicles Submerged As State Witnesses Flash Floods 

According to officials, temporary relief facilities have been established in the town's Singtam Senior Secondary School. 

"Similarly, the Teesta Stage 5 dam at Dikchu in Mangan district was opened up for water disbursement after a high alert. It is reported that the control room of the dam has been severely damaged," Mangan District Administration informed. 

Taking stock of the situation Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said, "We are all aware of the recent natural calamity that has struck our state. Emergency services have been mobilized to the affected areas, and I humbly urge all our citizens to remain vigilant and refrain from unnecessary travel during this critical time. It is essential that we maintain composure and hope for a swift return to normalcy in our region."

'I personally visited Singtam to assess the damages and engage with the local community,' Tamang said. 

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