NEW DELHI: The number of missing persons in the aftermath of flash floods that struck India’s northeastern Sikkim has risen to 141, and the death toll has also increased, state authorities said on Saturday.
As of October 7, in a fresh update from the State Disaster Management authorities at 10 a.m., the count of missing individuals stands at 141, and the death toll has reached 27.
The search and rescue operation is now in its fourth day. Authorities have reported that over 25,000 people have been affected, and 1,200 houses have been damaged. Nearly 6,900 people are currently residing in government-operated camps.
In the neighboring state of West Bengal, authorities in the Jalpaiguri district have confirmed the recovery of 27 bodies swept away in the flash floods. Pictures of the deceased have been circulated to aid in their identification.
Among the missing individuals are personnel from the Indian army, and efforts are underway to locate them, as stated by the Indian army. On the day of the incident, 23 soldiers from the Indian military were reported missing, and one was rescued the same day.
India’s National Disaster Management Authority stated that the swelling floodwaters have caused damage to infrastructure projects, including the Chungthang Dam, in the upper reaches of the river valley.
They noted that while scientists are investigating the exact cause of the flash flood, the primary reason for the sudden surge appears to be a likely combination of excessive rainfall and a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) event at South Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim.
In a late-night statement, the Indian Power Ministry revealed that floodwaters had overtopped the Dam of Teesta V Power Station (510 MW) in Sikkim. They reported severe damage to all connecting roads to the project sites and parts of the residential colony. Currently, the power station is shut down and not generating electricity. —AA/APP
