In a tragic event, the bodies of eight Army personnel who were missing after flash floods in Sikkim have been found. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed this information and expressed his condolences for the lives lost in the natural disaster.
The Defence Minister shared on social media that he is deeply saddened by the loss of lives, including eight Army personnel, in the recent flash floods caused by a burst glacial lake in Sikkim.
Out of the 23 soldiers reported missing, one has been rescued and the bodies of eight soldiers have been recovered. Singh acknowledged the sacrifice made by these soldiers and emphasized that their dedication will always be remembered. Search operations are still ongoing to find the remaining 14 soldiers and missing civilians.
According to the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), the death toll currently stands at 26, with 142 people still missing. The report also states that 2,413 individuals have been rescued, and 1,203 houses have been damaged due to the flash floods.
Sikkim’s Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, has blamed the breach of the 1,200 MW dam in Chungthang, Mangan district for causing the most damage along the Teesta River during the flash floods. He accused the previous government of substandard construction work in the state. The Chief Minister visited flood-affected areas and relief camps to assess the situation and interact with those affected.
The flash flood disaster occurred when the Lhonak glacier in the Sikkim Himalayas burst on October 3. This led to a sudden rise in water levels in the Teesta River and the flooding of several areas in the state. In response, the Sikkim government has set up 18 relief camps in Singtam, Rangpo, Dikchu, and Adarsh Gaon. The Indian Army and other paramilitary forces have also established additional relief camps in Chungthang due to the lack of connectivity.
