Sikkim Flash Flood:
- A devastating flash flood occurred in north Sikkim on October 4, caused by a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake.
- At least 14 people were killed, and 102 were reported missing as a result of this flood.
- Three bodies were discovered in north Bengal, and one of the missing army personnel was found safe.
- The flood was exacerbated by the release of water from the Chungthang dam.
Rescue and Evacuation:
- The Gangtok Sub-Divisional Magistrate reported that five bodies were recovered from the Golitar and Singtam region.
- In total, 22 army personnel and 47 civilians were reported missing, but 166 individuals, including a rescued army member, have been successfully evacuated.
- The health condition of the rescued soldier is stable, according to Defence Spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to assess the situation and offer support. The Sikkim government declared a state of calamity due to the natural disaster.
Impact on Infrastructure:
- The surge in water flow from the Teesta River resulted in extensive damage, including the destruction of bridges, sections of NH-10, and the Chungthang Dam.
- Several small villages, towns, and infrastructure projects in the upper reaches of the river valley were affected, particularly major districts like Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi.
Floods in Bengal’s Kalimpong:
- Heavy rain in Kalimpong, Bengal, led to floods in areas such as Teesta Bazar and Rampu.
- National Highway 10, linking Siliguri with Gangtok, was closed near Kalimpong.
- A red alert was issued in areas near the Teesta banks due to rising water levels.
- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee organized evacuations from Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Jalpaiguri to safer locations.
- The India Meteorological Department reported very heavy rain in north Bengal over the past 24 hours.
Rescue Efforts in Bengal:
- Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that 10,000 people have been rescued and accommodated in 190 relief camps in nine districts of southern and northern West Bengal.
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