At least six people were killed in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim as incessant rainfall caused massive landslides and devastation in the Mangan district. Officials said Thursday (Jun 13) that more than 1,500 tourists were also stranded in the state as the newly constructed bailey bridge at Sangkalang came crashing down, severing the link between Mangan and Dzongu and Chungthang. According to officials, landslides ended up blocking roads, damaging houses and destroying electricity poles.

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This is what nature does if we don’t handle her with care. Wild Teesta today after wrecking havoc in Sikkim. We never heard of flash floods a decade back in our place but now this has become a routine. Please don’t confuse cosmetic development with sustainability. <a href="https://t.co/lWG9vVVQa9">pic.twitter.com/lWG9vVVQa9</a>
— Saptarshi Nag (@saptarshinag) <a href="https://twitter.com/saptarshinag/status/1801308250631245887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Due to roads being blocked&nbsp;at several places, towns such as Dzongu, Chungthang, Lachen, and Lachung in Mangan district, known for popular tourist spots like Gurudongmar Lake and Yunthang Valley, have been cut off from the rest of the country.

Mangan District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri said "three persons each died in Pakshep and Ambhithang villages".

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjrrPuQm9mGAxVYT2wGHYL_DIgQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dubai-floods-experts-believe-cloud-seeding-is-not-behind-the-heavy-rainfall-712458" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/dubai-floods-experts-believe-cloud-seeding-is-not-behind-the-heavy-rainfall-712458&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjrrPuQm9mGAxVYT2wGHYL_DIgQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Dubai floods: Experts dismiss cloud seeding as reason for extreme rainfall</a>

In several areas of North Sikkim, telecom services were also affected due to heavy rainfall and landslides.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang earlier directed officials to ensure a swift response to the tragedy and provide assistance to the victims.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjrrPuQm9mGAxVYT2wGHYL_DIgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-rainfall-four-people-killed-as-torrential-rain-hit-state-imd-issues-red-alert-for-five-districts-724542" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-rainfall-four-people-killed-as-torrential-rain-hit-state-imd-issues-red-alert-for-five-districts-724542&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjrrPuQm9mGAxVYT2wGHYL_DIgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Kerala rainfall: 4 people killed as torrential rains hit state, IMD issues red alert for 5 districts</a>

"Efforts are underway to provide every possible support to the victims and affected families, including recovery assistance, temporary settlement, and the provision of basic needs," Tamang said in a statement from Arunachal Pradesh, where he is attending the swearing-in ceremony of BJP leader Pema Khandu.

"The state government stands firmly with the victims of this unfortunate incident, pledging the utmost support to the bereaved families and all those affected and displaced by the landslides," he said.

Right now, the Teesta River is overflowing, which could cause problems for people living in the low-lying Singtam town. Officials in Namchi district said that the rising water has flooded the Melli stadium. Last October, about 50 people died in a sudden flood in the Himalayan state.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least six people were killed in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim as incessant rainfall caused massive landslides and devastation in the Mangan district.

At least six people were killed in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim as incessant rainfall caused massive landslides and devastation in the Mangan district. Officials said Thursday (Jun 13) that more than 1,500 tourists were also stranded in the state as the newly constructed bailey bridge at Sangkalang came crashing down, severing the link between Mangan and Dzongu and Chungthang. According to officials, landslides ended up blocking roads, damaging houses and destroying electricity poles. This is what nature does if we don’t handle her with care. Wild Teesta today after wrecking havoc in Sikkim. We never heard of flash floods a decade back in our place but now this has become a routine. Please don’t confuse cosmetic development with sustainability. pic.twitter.com/lWG9vVVQa9 — Saptarshi Nag (@saptarshinag) June 13, 2024 × Due to roads being blocked at several places, towns such as Dzongu, Chungthang, Lachen, and Lachung in Mangan district, known for popular tourist spots like Gurudongmar Lake and Yunthang Valley, have been cut off from the rest of the country. Mangan District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri said "three persons each died in Pakshep and Ambhithang villages". Also read: Dubai floods: Experts dismiss cloud seeding as reason for extreme rainfall In several areas of North Sikkim, telecom services were also affected due to heavy rainfall and landslides. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang earlier directed officials to ensure a swift response to the tragedy and provide assistance to the victims. Also read: Kerala rainfall: 4 people killed as torrential rains hit state, IMD issues red alert for 5 districts "Efforts are underway to provide every possible support to the victims and affected families, including recovery assistance, temporary settlement, and the provision of basic needs," Tamang said in a statement from Arunachal Pradesh, where he is attending the swearing-in ceremony of BJP leader Pema Khandu. "The state government stands firmly with the victims of this unfortunate incident, pledging the utmost support to the bereaved families and all those affected and displaced by the landslides," he said. Right now, the Teesta River is overflowing, which could cause problems for people living in the low-lying Singtam town. Officials in Namchi district said that the rising water has flooded the Melli stadium. Last October, about 50 people died in a sudden flood in the Himalayan state. (With inputs from agencies)

Six dead, 1500 tourists stranded in India's Sikkim after heavy rainfall, landslides

Tragedy has struck the northeastern state of Sikkim as flash floods and cloudbursts have wreaked havoc, resulting in the loss&nbsp;of at least 53 lives, including seven soldiers.

Additionally, 27 more bodies were discovered in the Teesta riverbed in neighbouring West Bengal over the past three days.&nbsp;

Over 140 people&nbsp;are still missing, while thousands have been displaced by the calamity.

The Sikkim government reports extensive damage to 1,173 houses and the successful rescue of 2,413 people.

The floodwaters have submerged or washed out all bridges downstream to the Teesta-V hydropower station, severely disrupting communication to North Sikkim, as reported by ANI.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sikkim-flash-floods-central-water-commissions-study-alerted-authorities-about-lake-outburst-in-2015-643502">Sikkim flash floods: Central Water Commission’s study alerted authorities about lake outburst in 2015</a>

<h2>Government initiatives and relief efforts</h2>

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has taken charge of the crisis, leading high-level discussions to formulate rescue, relief, and restoration strategies.

Immediate attention has been given to reestablishing road connectivity to Chungthang, with plans to construct the road from Naga to Toong as soon as suitable land becomes available.

Families of the deceased will receive compensation of ₹4 lakh each ($4,812 each).

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts light to moderate rainfall in most areas of Mangan district over the next five days, posing challenges to the evacuation of over 3,000 stranded tourists.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has faced difficulties in conducting rescue operations due to adverse weather conditions, including low cloud cover and visibility in the Lachen and Lachung valleys. Aerial rescue operations are expected to resume once the weather clears.

Flash floods and cloudbursts have caused widespread destruction in Sikkim, affecting more than 25,000 people, damaging nearly 1,200 homes, and destroying 13 bridges.

While rescue efforts have saved 2,413 individuals, 6,875 people remain displaced and are taking shelter in 22 relief camps across the state, which is now largely isolated from the rest of the country.

The flash floods were triggered by a glacial lake burst, leading to the release of water from the Chungthang Dam, resulting in a sudden rise in the Teesta River's water level.

Chief Minister Tamang attributed the catastrophe to "inferior construction" by previous state governments, emphasising the need for improved infrastructure.

Recent reports indicate that a Parliamentary Committee had previously highlighted a severe shortage of meteorological and monitoring stations in Himalayan regions.

Also watch |&nbsp;Esha's gold-silver feat at Hangzhou Asian Games | The India Story

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Sikkim has been informed that it possesses 694 glacial lakes and eight flood forecasting stations, raising questions about the adequacy of monitoring and early warning systems.

An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) has been formed by the Home Ministry to visit the affected areas and assess the extent of damage, signalling the government's commitment to addressing this calamity.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Tragedy has struck the northeastern state of Sikkim as flash floods and cloudbursts have wreaked havoc, resulting in the loss of at least 53 lives, including seven soldiers.

Tragedy has struck the northeastern state of Sikkim as flash floods and cloudbursts have wreaked havoc, resulting in the loss of at least 53 lives, including seven soldiers. Additionally, 27 more bodies were discovered in the Teesta riverbed in neighbouring West Bengal over the past three days. Over 140 people are still missing, while thousands have been displaced by the calamity. The Sikkim government reports extensive damage to 1,173 houses and the successful rescue of 2,413 people. The floodwaters have submerged or washed out all bridges downstream to the Teesta-V hydropower station, severely disrupting communication to North Sikkim, as reported by ANI. Also read | Sikkim flash floods: Central Water Commission’s study alerted authorities about lake outburst in 2015 Government initiatives and relief efforts Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has taken charge of the crisis, leading high-level discussions to formulate rescue, relief, and restoration strategies. Immediate attention has been given to reestablishing road connectivity to Chungthang, with plans to construct the road from Naga to Toong as soon as suitable land becomes available. Families of the deceased will receive compensation of ₹4 lakh each ($4,812 each). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts light to moderate rainfall in most areas of Mangan district over the next five days, posing challenges to the evacuation of over 3,000 stranded tourists. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has faced difficulties in conducting rescue operations due to adverse weather conditions, including low cloud cover and visibility in the Lachen and Lachung valleys. Aerial rescue operations are expected to resume once the weather clears. Flash floods and cloudbursts have caused widespread destruction in Sikkim, affecting more than 25,000 people, damaging nearly 1,200 homes, and destroying 13 bridges. While rescue efforts have saved 2,413 individuals, 6,875 people remain displaced and are taking shelter in 22 relief camps across the state, which is now largely isolated from the rest of the country. The flash floods were triggered by a glacial lake burst, leading to the release of water from the Chungthang Dam, resulting in a sudden rise in the Teesta River's water level. Chief Minister Tamang attributed the catastrophe to "inferior construction" by previous state governments, emphasising the need for improved infrastructure. Recent reports indicate that a Parliamentary Committee had previously highlighted a severe shortage of meteorological and monitoring stations in Himalayan regions. Also watch | Esha's gold-silver feat at Hangzhou Asian Games | The India Story Sikkim has been informed that it possesses 694 glacial lakes and eight flood forecasting stations, raising questions about the adequacy of monitoring and early warning systems. An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) has been formed by the Home Ministry to visit the affected areas and assess the extent of damage, signalling the government's commitment to addressing this calamity. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sikkim flash floods: 53 killed, 27 bodies recovered from Teesta river

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has expressed grief over the tragedy that has befallen the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim.

Latest tolls show that the flash floods have claimed the lives of 14 people, while 102 people remain missing. As per reports, over 3,000 tourists are feared to be stranded in different parts of the state.

<h2>Condolences: Dalai Lama</h2>

The 14th Dalai Lama, as per a press statement released on Wednesday (Oct 4th), expressed his grief over the loss of life and widespread damage to property.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sikkim-floods-isro-carries-out-image-based-study-of-south-lhonk-lake-642706">Sikkim floods: Death toll climbs to 14; ISRO conducts image-based study of South Lhonk Lake</a>

A letter to Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Minister of Sikkim, read, "His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his sadness about the loss of life and widespread damage to property that has occurred in Sikkim as a result of the flash flood that took place in the Teesta River Valley last night."

"I offer my condolences to families who have lost loved ones…as well as others affected by this disaster, and pray for their welfare," wrote the Tibetan spiritual leader.

He also said that as a mark of his solidarity with the affected people, he has instructed the Dalai Lama Trust to extend financial aid towards relief and rescue efforts.

<h2>Latest toll</h2>

As per ANI, all the 14 people who lost their lives in the calamity were civilians. At least 102 people are missing, and over 3,000 are believed to be stranded. Around 12 to 14 workers who were working on the Teesta Stage 3 dam in Chungthang are among the missing.

Missing people have been reported from Chungthang in Mangan district, Dikchu, Singtam in Gangtok district and Rangpo in Pakyong district.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-flash-floods-hit-sikkim-23-army-personnel-missing-642342">India: Highways, buildings washed away in Sikkim flash floods; 8 dead, 22 army personnel among many missing</a>

"There are 12–14 workers still stranded in the tunnels of the dam. Collectively, across the State, 26 people have been reportedly injured and rushed to the hospitals. While 23 Army personnel in Bardang are still missing. They had a convoy vehicle which was parked adjacent to the highway which got submerged in the sludge," Sikkim Chief Secretary VB Pathak told media.

<h2>What happened in Sikkim?</h2>

As per Pathak, on Tuesday night (Oct 3rd), Sikkim's Lhonak Lake "received a cloudburst around 10:42 pm."

"Thereafter, the lake breached its embankment and made its course towards the Teesta River. Soon different parts of the Teesta basin reported a rise in water, with particularly alarming levels in Chungthang where the Teesta Stage 3 dam was breached," he added.

One platoon of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is already engaged in rescue efforts. The state government has requested three extra platoons. The request has been approved by the Indian central government.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has expressed grief over the tragedy that has befallen the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. Latest tolls show that the flash floods have claimed the lives of 14 people, while 102 people remain missing.

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has expressed grief over the tragedy that has befallen the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. Latest tolls show that the flash floods have claimed the lives of 14 people, while 102 people remain missing. As per reports, over 3,000 tourists are feared to be stranded in different parts of the state. Condolences: Dalai Lama The 14th Dalai Lama, as per a press statement released on Wednesday (Oct 4th), expressed his grief over the loss of life and widespread damage to property. Also read | Sikkim floods: Death toll climbs to 14; ISRO conducts image-based study of South Lhonk Lake A letter to Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Minister of Sikkim, read, "His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his sadness about the loss of life and widespread damage to property that has occurred in Sikkim as a result of the flash flood that took place in the Teesta River Valley last night." "I offer my condolences to families who have lost loved ones…as well as others affected by this disaster, and pray for their welfare," wrote the Tibetan spiritual leader. He also said that as a mark of his solidarity with the affected people, he has instructed the Dalai Lama Trust to extend financial aid towards relief and rescue efforts. Latest toll As per ANI, all the 14 people who lost their lives in the calamity were civilians. At least 102 people are missing, and over 3,000 are believed to be stranded. Around 12 to 14 workers who were working on the Teesta Stage 3 dam in Chungthang are among the missing. Missing people have been reported from Chungthang in Mangan district, Dikchu, Singtam in Gangtok district and Rangpo in Pakyong district. Also read | India: Highways, buildings washed away in Sikkim flash floods; 8 dead, 22 army personnel among many missing "There are 12–14 workers still stranded in the tunnels of the dam. Collectively, across the State, 26 people have been reportedly injured and rushed to the hospitals. While 23 Army personnel in Bardang are still missing. They had a convoy vehicle which was parked adjacent to the highway which got submerged in the sludge," Sikkim Chief Secretary VB Pathak told media. What happened in Sikkim? As per Pathak, on Tuesday night (Oct 3rd), Sikkim's Lhonak Lake "received a cloudburst around 10:42 pm." "Thereafter, the lake breached its embankment and made its course towards the Teesta River. Soon different parts of the Teesta basin reported a rise in water, with particularly alarming levels in Chungthang where the Teesta Stage 3 dam was breached," he added. One platoon of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is already engaged in rescue efforts. The state government has requested three extra platoons. The request has been approved by the Indian central government. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sikkim floods: Dalai Lama expresses grief following devastation caused by flash floods

In pics | Sikkim flash floods: ISRO satellite images show before & after of South Lhonak Lake

A flash flood alert has been issued in the northern and eastern districts of India's Sikkim state. The floods have reportedly occurred due to a sudden cloud burst over Lho-nak Lake in the state's Mangan district.

Sikkim flash floods: How Sikkim Flash Flood Happened

Flash floods in the India's northeastern state of Sikkim have claimed at least 14 lives in the state while over 100 remain missing in the region, including 22 army personnel. The national disaster response force teams have also been deployed. The Indian army has started three helplines for families of the missing.

Sikkim flash floods: over a dozen dead, hundreds missing

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