Sikkim flash floods: Toll over 60 as searches continue, 1,700 tourists still stuck

More than 60 people died in the flash flood in Teesta river that devastated Sikkim, while the search continued for the over 105 people who are still missing.

The disaster damaged more than 1,655 houses and washed away 14 bridges in the four districts of the picturesque Himalayan state.

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The Jalpaiguri district administration in West Bengal has said they have so far recovered 40 bodies from the downstream of the Teesta river. Officials said 10 bodies have so far been identified. Meanwhile, the death toll in Sikkim has crossed the 26 mark.

National Highway 10, the lifeline of Sikkim, has been rendered unusable due to damage to the road surface and many bridges across the Teesta river. The opening and widening process of the stretch between Rangpo and Singtam is in progress. Alternative routes to the state capital Gangtok are open via the East Sikkim district. However, in North Sikkim, roads beyond Mangan are cut off.

The Army continued its assistance to 1,700 tourists including 63 foreign nationals stranded in areas of Lachen, Lachung, Thangu and Chungthang in North Sikkim. Food, medical aid, and communication facility is being provided to them. With the weather remaining inclement, the Army is making all efforts to keep the tourists safe till they are evacuated.

Troops of the Indian Army’s Tri Shakti Corps are continuing their search for the missing soldiers who were swept away in the flash floods that were caused by a cloudburst in South Lhonak lake in North Sikkim on October 3. According to officials, out of the 23 personnel, one was rescued alive on October 4 while eight others died.

Additionally, the IAF commenced its humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations from AFS Bagdogra for the flood victims of Sikkim on Air Force Day. The helicopters are kept ready to transport the stranded tourists and local residents to safer locations, as soon as the weather conditions improve.