Sikkim flash floods: Death toll rises to 56, over 100 still missing

At least 56 bodies have been recovered in the devastating flash flood in Assam so far. Search operations continue in many parts of the state.

The flash flood affected over 25,000 people in Sikkim. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi,UPDATED: Oct 7, 2023 09:55 IST

The death toll in the massive flash flood in Sikkim reached 56 on Saturday. So far, 26 bodies have been recovered from Sikkim, and 30 have been found in the basin of the Teesta River in West Bengal.

The search for at least 142 people in Sikkim, including Army personnel, is underway.

The disaster management authorities have confirmed 26 deaths in Sikkim so far. Four bodies were recovered from Mangan district, six from Gangtok, and 16, including seven Indian Army personnel, from Pakyong district.

According to the West Bengal government, they have recovered 30 bodies from three districts: Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar in the basin of the Teesta River.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence stated that military equipment including ammunition were washed away in the flooding.

“Due to severe floods in Sikkim certain military equipment including firearms and explosives were carried away in Teesta river.Urgent notice for public has already been issued by Jalpaiguri District Authorities. Army has established lookout teams all along the river downstream,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

The flash flood, which was triggered by a cloudburst in the early hours of Wednesday, led to severe destruction in Sikkim. It has affected over 25,000 people, damaged more than 1,200 houses and washed away 13 bridges, roads and other structures.

As many as 2,413 people have been rescued from different areas and 6,875 people are taking shelter in 22 relief camps set up across the state.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased and an immediate relief of Rs 2,000 each for all those taking shelter in the camps.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has approved Rs 44.8 crore as an advance amount from the central share of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to provide relief to the affected people. An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT will be visiting the affected areas to make an assessment of the damage caused.

Several tourists are still stranded in many parts of the state. According to government officials, around 3,000 tourists are stuck in North Sikkim and could not be rescued despite multiple attempts by the Air Force, as they were unable to send helicopters due to adverse weather.

Published On:

Oct 7, 2023

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