Sikkim’s Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, has blamed the Chungthang dam’s destruction on poor construction practices. This happened after a cloudburst in Lhonak Lake caused a flash flood in the Teesta River. The floodwaters rushed towards the dam, causing damage to power infrastructure and flooding downstream towns and villages.
During an interview with Aaj Tak, Chief Minister Tamang said that the dam collapsed due to inadequate construction methods. He also mentioned that the northern part of the state was completely cut off because of the flash flood and dam failure.
Apart from the dam collapse, the flash flood also destroyed 13 bridges in Sikkim. Eight bridges were lost in the Mangan district, while Gangtok and Namchi lost three and two bridges respectively.
Tragically, the death toll from the flash floods in Sikkim has risen to 21. Twenty-three army personnel are reported missing from the Burdang area. So far, seven bodies have been found, one soldier has been rescued, and 15 soldiers are still missing.
Efforts have been made to evacuate and provide relief to affected residents. More than 2,411 individuals have been evacuated and accommodated in relief camps. The disaster has impacted over 22,000 people according to the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA).
The town of Chungthang was severely affected by the flood, with 80% of its area suffering damage. The important NH-10 road, which is crucial for the state, also sustained significant damage at various points. This event highlights the importance of strong infrastructure and disaster preparedness in areas prone to natural disasters.
