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Sikkim Flash Floods Updates: One out of 23 missing Army personnel rescued

Some army establishments along the valley have also been affected and efforts are on to confirm details, the Indian Army said.
Releasing water from Chungthang dam led to a sudden increase in water level, upto 15-20 feet high downstream.
Releasing water from Chungthang dam led to a sudden increase in water level, upto 15-20 feet high downstream.

Around 43 people have been reported missing and several vehicles have submerged after a sudden glacial lake outburst took place on Wednesday over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim led to a flash flood in the Teesta River in Lachen valley. Search operations are underway. Some army establishments along the valley have also been affected and efforts are on to confirm details, the Indian Army said....Read More

Releasing water from Chungthang dam led to a sudden increase in water level, upto 15-20 feet high downstream. This also led to Army vehicles parked at Bardang near Singtam getting affected.

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Oct 4, 2023 10:01 PM IST

ISRO conducts satellite image-based studies of South Lhonak lake in Sikkim

The National Remote Sensing Centre, one of the ISRO centres, has conducted a satellite-based study on the outburst of the South Lhonak lake in Sikkim by obtaining temporal satellite images (before & after) over the water body. "It is observed that Lake is Burst and about 105 hectares area has been drained out (28 September 2023 image versus 04 October 2023) which might have created a flash flood downstream," an ISRO statement said on Wednesday.

Oct 4, 2023 9:23 PM IST

NCMC reviews Sikkim cloudburst situation, emphasises on evacuation of people stuck in tunnel

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), headed by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Wednesday reviewed the situation after the cloudburst in Sikkim and emphasised on the evacuation of tourists and those stuck in a tunnel.

The Chief Secretary of Sikkim, who joined the meeting through video conferencing, informed the NCMC about the latest situation in the state, according to an official release.

Oct 4, 2023 8:47 PM IST

Army's Trishakti Corps on mission to trace missing personnel

Troops of the Indian Army's Trishakti Corps launched a massive search and rescue operation to trace the 23 missing soldiers. The search operations are being undertaken under conditions of incessant rains, fast-flowing water in the Teesta River with the roads and bridges washed away at many places. By evening of 4 Oct 23, one soldier has been rescued and the search operations for balance 22 personnel continues, says Indian Army

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Oct 4, 2023 8:28 PM IST

One out of 23 missing Army personnel rescued

One out of the 23 Army personnel missing since today morning has been rescued. His condition is stable and is under medical care, says Indian Army

Oct 4, 2023 8:13 PM IST

Nepal quake triggered Sikkim disaster? Scientist to find out

Scientists are exploring whether the strong earthquake that rocked Nepal and the neighbouring region on Tuesday is the reason behind the outburst of the south Lhonak lake that triggered a flash flood in the Teesta river basin in Sikkim. The Alphabet subsidiary said during its hardware event in New York that it plans to add generative AI features from its Bard chatbot into Google's version of a virtual assistant, that aims to provide personalized help with reasoning and generative capabilities on mobile devices.

Oct 4, 2023 7:40 PM IST

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh prays for well-being of army personnel who went missing in Sikkim after a cloudburst

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday prayed for the well-being of the army personnel who went missing in Sikkim after a cloudburst triggered flash floods in the Teesta river.

Singh described the glacial lake burst at Lonak in Sikkim as "deeply heart-wrenching" and said relief and rescue operations in the area are in progress amid extremely bad weather.

Twenty-three army personnel went missing on Wednesday following the cloudburst-triggered flash flood in the Teesta river basin, officials said.

Oct 4, 2023 6:46 PM IST

Update: 8 dead, 23 army men among 49 missing as flash flood wreaks havoc in Sikkim

At least eight people died and 49 others, including 23 army personnel, went missing on Wednesday after a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim triggered a flash flood in the Teesta River basin, officials said.

Three of the dead were washed up in north Bengal, they said.

Oct 4, 2023 6:41 PM IST

10,000 people rescued, officials sent to affected areas, says Mamata Banerjee

Expressing concern over the flood-like situation in the state, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that 10,000 people have been rescued and kept in 190 relief camps in nine districts in the southern and northern parts of the state.

The northern part of West Bengal shares border with Sikkim which witnessed a flash flood in the Teesta river early in the day.

The chief minister said that three unidentified bodies were found near the Teesta Barrage area in Jalpaiguri district and those could be of victims from Sikkim.

Oct 4, 2023 5:17 PM IST

5 civilians killed and more than 20 Indian soldiers are missing after flash floods hit Sikkim state

A sudden heavy rainfall triggered flash floods in Sikkim, killing five civilians and leaving 23 army soldiers missing Wednesday.

The flooding occurred along the Teesta River in the Lachen Valley, an army statement said, adding that some army camps and vehicles were submerged under mud and that search efforts were underway. The army said water released from a nearby dam also caused water levels to rise.

Oct 4, 2023 4:15 PM IST

PM Modi speaks to Sikkim chief minister after flash flood

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Wednesday to take stock of the situation in the state following flash flood in the Teesta river, and assured him of all possible support.

"Spoke to Sikkim CM Shri @PSTamangGolay and took stock of the situation in the wake of the unfortunate natural calamity in parts of the state. Assured all possible support in addressing the challenge. I pray for the safety and well-being of all those affected," Modi said on X.

Oct 4, 2023 3:56 PM IST

NDRF deploys 3 teams, rescues 7

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has pressed in three teams for rescue-and-relief operations following a cloudburst over the Lhonak lake in north Sikkim that resulted in a flash flood in the Teesta river basin, officials said on Wednesday.

A spokesperson of the federal contingency force said in Delhi that they have deployed one team at Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, and two teams in the adjoining state of West Bengal for the task.

Oct 4, 2023 3:32 PM IST

43 missing in flash flood triggered by cloudburst in Sikkim, rescue ops underway

As many as 43 people, including army soldiers and civilians, have been reported missing after South Lhonak Lake, situated in North West Sikkim experienced a glacial lake outburst and triggered flash floods due to incessant rainfall in the region.

Around 3,000-4,000 people were evacuated last night in and around Rangpo and 5 relief camps were also opened in the district, said an official.

Oct 4, 2023 3:22 PM IST

It's time to help each other and stay united, says BJP state chief

In the wake of the devastation caused by cloud burst in Sikkim, BJP chief Dilli Ram Thapa on Wednesday urged the people of the state to stand together in difficult times and help each other to overcome the destruction.

"Several properties have been damaged. We cannot even estimate right now how much devastation has taken place. I request all institutions to support Sikkim," said Thapa adding, "I took stock of the situation in the morning and will do it again. Rescue operations are underway," he assured.

Oct 4, 2023 2:52 PM IST

Manufacturing operations disrupted at Sikkim plant due to flash floods: Alembic Pharma

Alembic Pharmaceuticals on Wednesday said flash floods in the Teesta River has led to disruption in operations at its Sikkim-based manufacturing plant.

"We would like to inform that due to flash floods in river Teesta because of cloud burst, water entered our manufacturing facility at Namthang, South Sikkim, and hence manufacturing operations stand disrupted with effect from October 4," the drug firm said in a regulatory filing.

Oct 4, 2023 2:35 PM IST

Story | 23 Army personnel missing in flash flood triggered by glacial lake outburst in Sikkim

At least 23 Army personnel went missing on Wednesday morning due to a flash flood in the Teesta river in Sikkim's Lachen Valley. Some Army vehicles have been submerged in the flash flood, defence sources confirmed. A search operation has been launched. The Army vehicles were parked at Bardang near Singtam when the flash flood occurred triggered by possibly a glacial lake outburst. Read More

Oct 4, 2023 2:11 PM IST

Water level in Teesta currently below danger mark, no flood situation around it: Central Water Commission

The water level in the Teesta river was below the danger mark at 1 pm on Wednesday and there is no flood situation around it, according to Central Water Commission data.

Three people died and 23 Army personnel were washed away earlier in the day after a cloudburst over the Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim resulted in a flash flood in the Teesta River basin, which was aggravated by the release of water from a dam, officials said.

Oct 4, 2023 1:59 PM IST

Bodies recovered amid Sikkim flash floods yet to be identified: West Bengal Chief Secretary HK Dwivedi

West Bengal Chief Secretary HK Dwivedi speaking on flash floods after cloudburst in Sikkim said, “Three bodies have been recovered from Teesta Barrage. They are yet to be identified.”

He added, “We have started the evacuation of people. Hopefully, there will be no loss of lives....We had safely rescued a family from Kalimpong (that had three members) but they left our camp and got stuck. We have sent a unit of the Army, it is trying to locate them.”

Oct 4, 2023 1:55 PM IST

Seven people rescued from Sikkim's Singtam: NDRF

“National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rescued 7 persons from Sikkim's Singtam where a cloudburst caused a flood-like situation. NDRF's one team is deployed at Gangtok and two teams at adjoining areas of Sikkim in West Bengal,” said NDRF

Oct 4, 2023 1:53 PM IST

All affected people from Singtam town, Dikchu village evacuated: Sikkim officials

"All the affected people of Singtam town have been taken to safe places and residents of Dikchu village along the river belt have been evacuated to a nearby school," a Sikkim government official said.

Oct 4, 2023 1:41 PM IST

Indreni bridge at Singtam completely washed away

Indreni bridge, a steel bridge at Singtam in Gangtok district has been completely washed away by the Teesta river water on Wednesday.

Oct 4, 2023 1:27 PM IST

80 locals evacuated as BRO launches rescue operations

Border Road Organisation (BRO) has already launched rescue operations and 80 locals have been safely evacuated so far, the Defence officials said.

Oct 4, 2023 1:17 PM IST

Video: Aftermath of flash floods in Singtam after a cloud burst

Oct 4, 2023 1:15 PM IST

Schools in Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi districts to remain close till October 8

All the schools located in Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi districts of Sikkim will remain closed till October 8, state's education department said in a circular.

Oct 4, 2023 1:14 PM IST

Three people dead in Sikkim flash floods

Three persons died and 23 army personnel were washed away on Wednesday after a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim resulted in a flash flood in the Teesta River basin, which was aggravated by the release of water from a dam, officials said. The flood started around 1.30 am, they said.

"Three bodies have been recovered from Singtam during rescue and relief efforts," a Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority official said.

PTI

Oct 4, 2023 1:09 PM IST

Cloudburst damaged establishments in Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi districts: Sikkim Disaster Management Authority

The SSDMA, in a press release, stated that a "cloudburst in portions of Lhonak Lake, which caused the rise of water levels with very high velocities downstream along the Teesta River basin in the early hours of Wednesday", damaged many establishments in Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi districts.

Oct 4, 2023 12:15 PM IST

Flash floods | ‘Exact number of people missing not confirmed’: Sikkim disaster management authority director Prabhakar Rai

“The exact number of people who have gone missing is still not confirmed. We are gathering details. As of now we have confirmed reports of seven people going missing,” Prabhakar Rai, director of Sikkim state disaster management authority said.

Oct 4, 2023 11:26 AM IST

‘Deeply concerned’: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee promises assistance to Sikkim

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on X, “Deeply concerned on getting the news of 23 soldiers missing after a flash flood in Sikkim which followed a cloudburst in the region. While expressing solidarity and promise of assistance from our government side if sought on this matter, I also urge all concerned in North Bengal to maintain maximal vigil in the current season to prevent disasters. Have already asked my Chief Secretary to coordinate disaster management preparedness measures asap. All steps have been taken to evacuate people in the districts of Kalimpong, Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri to safer places. Senior ministers of the state and senior IAS officers have been rushed to North Bengal to oversee rescue and relief operations. Close vigil is being kept to ensure no loss of life in this grave calamity.”

Oct 4, 2023 11:04 AM IST

Lifeline of Sikkim, National Highway 10 badly hit

The National Highway 10, which is considered the lifeline of Sikkim and runs parallel to the river at many places, was badly hit.

Oct 4, 2023 11:04 AM IST

30 people, including 23 army personnel missing after Sikkim flash floods

30 people including 23 army personnel have been reported missing and six bridges were washed away in north Sikkim late on Tuesday night after the water level in the Teesta river rose suddenly because of a possible cloud burst in high-altitude areas of the Himalayan state.

Oct 4, 2023 10:29 AM IST

‘Several properties damaged, request support’: BJP Sikkim president

BJP Sikkim president Dr Thapa said "Several properties have been damaged. I request all institutions to support Sikkim. I took stock of the situation in the morning and will do it again."

Oct 4, 2023 10:19 AM IST

‘Humbly urge citizens to remain vigilant’: Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang wrote on X on Wednesday, “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 personally visited Singtam to assess the damages and engage with the local community. 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.”

Oct 4, 2023 10:03 AM IST

Video: 23 Indian Army personnel missing in Sikkim following flash floods

Oct 4, 2023 9:48 AM IST

Cloud burst occured at South Lhonark lake in early hours of Wednesday

South Lhonark lake, situated in North West Sikkim, had seen a cloud burst causing incessant monsoon rainfall during the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Oct 4, 2023 9:24 AM IST

23 army personnel have been reported missing due to a flash flood in Sikkim

23 army personnel have been reported missing due to a flash flood that occurred in Teesta River in Lachen Valley after a sudden cloud burst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim: Defence PRO, Guwahati

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