Gangtok, Oct 6: The death toll from the flash floods due to a glacial lake burst in Sikkim has risen to 19 lives, including 6 Indian Army soldiers.
The flash floods was caused by cloud burst in the upper reaches of Sikkim, leading to a glacial lake burst which led to the release of water from Chungthang Dam, which increased the water level of river Teesta drastically on Wednesday morning, causing large-scale devastation in the Himalayan State.
According to officials, six Army men have been confirmed dead whereas 103 people are still missing including 16 Army men.
“About 2500 people have been evacuated so far. Nearly 3000 tourists are still stranded in Sikkim and about 6000 people have been moved to relief camps,” the official report from the government said on Thursday evening.
In Mangan district, 4 people have died and 17 people are reported missing. Similarly in Gangtok, five deaths have been conformed with 22 missing.
In Pakyong district, 10 deaths including 6 Army men have been confirmed while 59 people remain missing.
The Indian Army has been carrying out extensive search and rescue operations to trace the 16 missing soldiers, who have been missing since Wednesday morning following the flash floods in Sikkim.
Meanwhile, the troops of Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army have been extending medical aid and telephone connectivity to the civilians and tourists, stranded in the affected areas of Chungthang, Lachung and Lachen in North Sikkim.
Sikkim Govt readies alternate route, seeks cooperation from traders
Sikkim government Chief Secretary VB Pathak on Thursday held a series of meetings with the representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, Wholesale Retailers, Pharmacy Association, IOC Representatives, LPG dealers and distributors, petrol pump owners, and Taxi Drivers Association at Tashiling Secretariat.
The Chief Secretary appealed to all the associations not to hike the rates of the essential commodities. He also requested the members present to avoid hoarding LPG, petrol and essential commodities.
The Chief Secretary directed the NHIDCL to open an alternate route for small and heavy vehicles through Lava and Reshi check posts at the earliest.
ED, NHIDCL assured that the route will be cleared by Friday morning. Likewise, the Transport Secretary was directed to issue an order for route diversion for small and heavy vehicles after ensuring clearance of the route.
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