The death toll in the massive damage caused by flash floods in Sikkim has risen to 26, which also includes seven Army personnel. The bodies of the deceased have been recovered from the slush and debris of the flood in the Teesta river and over 142 people are still missing.
The rescue team is working round the clock searching for the missing people in the area.
A cloudburst over the Lhonak Lake in northwestern Sikkim on Wednesday, October 4, triggered flash floods leading to widespread damages in several districts of the state. More than 25,000 people have been affected by the flash floods and over 1,200 houses were damaged, according to news agency PTI. Following the massive flood, 13 bridges have also been damaged or washed away.
Meanwhile, 2,413 people have been rescued from different areas so far, and around 6,875 people have been provided shelter in 22 relief camps set up in different places. However, due to the bad weather conditions, the rescue operations have been hampered and forced the Indian Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel to slow down the operation on Thursday, reported Hindustan Times.
Also read | Sikkim flash floods: Loss to hydroelectric projects on river Teesta yet to be calculated
However, after the weather conditions in the area improved, the 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion troops were deployed to conduct the rescue mission in Chungthang, according to agency ANI.
#WATCH | Chungthang, Mangan | Sikkim flash flood: 3rd Indian Reserve Batallion troops enroute for rescue mission. pic.twitter.com/Wr1VsI1FMD
— ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2023
On Friday, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced a grant of Rs 4 lakh to the families of those who died in the flash flood and also mentioned the immediate assistance of Rs 2,000 to people who are taking shelter in the relief camps. Besides, Union Home Minister, Amit Shah has also approved the release of Rs 44.8 crore as an advance amount from the central share of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for Sikkim.
Additionally, the Sikkim government has circulated helpline numbers for the people to contact for help. The state government’s helpline numbers are:
· Landline- 03592-221152; 03592-202042
· Mobile- 8001763382
· Fax or call for emergency assistance- 112
The Indian Army has also set up three helplines for people and for Army personnel as well.
· For North Sikkim- 8750887741
· For East Sikkim- 8756991895
· Helpline numbers to enquire about the missing army personnel- 7588302011
First Published: Oct 7, 2023 11:30 AM IST
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