Even though the Indian Army and NDRF teams have been conducting search and rescue operations through slushy ground and swiftly moving water in the Teesta river basin and downstream north Bengal for the second day, at least 19 people, including four soldiers, have been confirmed dead and more than 100 people remain unaccounted for as a result of the Sikkim flash floods.
In the meantime, the West Bengal administration announced in a statement on Thursday that 18 bodies had been found in Kolkata. “Of these, four jawans and two civilians – have been identified,”. It wasn’t immediately clear, though, whether these jawans were among the 22 missing soldiers or if they passed away independently.
Treatment for the 26 injured persons is also being provided in Sikkim’s several hospitals.
Top updates on flash floods in Sikkim:
1) State Chief Secretary Vijay Bhushan Pathak updated on the number of stranded and stated that around 3000 persons were struck in Lachen and Lachung on Thursday evening, “…700-800 drivers are trapped there. We will use Army and Air Force helicopters to evacuate all 3150 individuals who arrived there on motorcycles. He claimed that the Army had forced them to use voice-over-internet calls to communicate with their families.
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2) As of right now, 2011 individuals have been saved overall, but 3000 tourists including foreign visitors remain stuck in the state due to the catastrophic event. According to a statement from the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), almost 22,034 persons have been impacted by the disaster.
3) According to Pathak, the government intends to airlift the stranded visitors to Mangan, from which they will be transported by road to Sikkim. The rescue operations have been slowed down by poor weather, massive infrastructural damage, and disrupted connectivity.
4) Pathak added that Singtam town, one of the hardest-hit places, has now received water and electrical service restoration. According to data, in the four affected districts of Singtam, Mangan, Namchi, and Gangtok, 277 homes—both kuchcha and concrete—have been damaged.
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5) The impacted people have been relocated to up to 26 relief camps across various locations, where they are receiving aid and assistance.
released helpline numbers
Sikkim’s government helpline numbers are 8001763383 for mobile, 03592-202892 for landline, 03592-221152 for landline, 03592-202042 for fax, and ‘112’ for emergency assistance.
The three hotlines set up by the Indian Army to assist families of those missing in Sikkim, including its own personnel: Call 8750887741 for North Sikkim, 8756991895 for East Sikkim, or 7588302011 for questions about the 22 missing soldiers.
