FLASH FLOOD IN SIKKIM EFFECTS SEVERAL DISTRICTS | SITUATION CRITICAL

In the early hours of October 4, 2023, a catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) struck portions of Lhonak Lake, Mangan District, causing the water levels to surge downstream with incredible force along the Teesta River Basin. This devastating event resulted in severe damage to Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi Districts in the Indian state of Sikkim.
The outburst in Lhonak Lake led to water velocities reaching approximately 15 meters per second, surpassing the danger level by about 3 meters as it crossed the Central Water Commission (CWC) Melli site at 6:00 am. According to CWC, the flood was initiated at midnight on October 3, 2023, and flood forecasts were issued simultaneously for India and Bangladesh at 6:00 am and 2:00 pm. The river Teesta at CWC Domohani FF Station was flowing below the warning level at 6:00 am, but it was expected to exceed the warning level within the next 6 hours.
Reports received from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) revealed the following damages in the affected districts:
(i) Mangan District: Chungthang was cut off due to the collapse of the Toong Bridge. The Phidang Bridge also collapsed, and four permanent houses in Phidang were washed away. Additionally, two houses in Dikchu were swept away, and homes along the riverbanks remain at risk. Two GREF laborers were reported missing in Sangkhalang, along with one person missing from Phidang. The GREF Crusher Plant and Old Police Barrack in Toong were washed away, with four individuals reported missing. The Forest Guest House and two government quarters at Sangkhalang were also swept away.
(ii) Gangtok: Four individuals sustained injuries and were taken to Singtam Hospital. SDRF has successfully rescued 25 people, and additional rescue operations are ongoing.
(iii) Namchi District: The LD Kazi Bridge and Indreni Bridge were washed away. A relief camp has been established at Namphing Sai Mandir, where approximately 500 people have found shelter. Permanent relief efforts have also been set up at Pranami Mandir.
(iv) Pakyong District: Two minor injuries were reported, along with one fatality in West Bengal. One person is under observation at Rangpo PHC. Furthermore, 23 army personnel were reported missing, and one person was rescued at Bardang.
#SikkimFlood #disasterrelief #SupportSikkim #sikkim #supportsikkim #sikkimflood #flashflood #disaster #thestorymug #flood #floods