Gangtok, Oct 8: A video capturing Sikkim Minister Samdup Lepcha dangerously crossing the Teesta River using a zip-line on Saturday has gone viral. The video shows the Minister bravely navigating the turbulent Teesta River, facing considerable risk amidst the fierce current.

At one point, he finds himself stuck mid-way, suspended mid-air, almost touching the raging waters of the river.

Lepcha, representing the Lachen-Mangan constituency, which encompasses Chungthang, took this daring step to reach Chungthang town – which has been the worst affected by the flash floods in the State. The crucial 1200 MW Teesta State-III Dam, located in Chungthang, has been completely destroyed by the flash floods induced by Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) of the South Lhonak Glacial Lake.

Additionally, road access to the area has been severed. In response, the Minister led a team on an arduous journey from Mangan to Chungthang on foot.

The only way to access the town is by crossing the Teesta River, which continues to be extremely turbulent despite lesser volume of water.

Despite 4 days since the tragedy struck the hilly town, which is the worst affected compared to any other village, residents of Chungthang are yet to receive any help from the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), nor have they been airlifted to safer locations, while the relief efforts have been inadequate.

In fact, Lepcha and his team were the first senior officials from the administration to reach the cut-off town since the flash floods hit.

Atleast 53 people have been confirmed dead in the Sikkim flash floods and 143 people still remain missing. The NH-10, the lifeline of Sikkim, remains cut off as parts of the road were washed away in the flood. As many as 14 bridges on river Teesta were also washed away, and over 3000 tourists remain stranded in different parts of the state.

Also Read: Sikkim Flash Floods: Over 50 dead, 142 missing, weather hinders rescue operations

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