GANGTOK, India: India’s northeastern region faced a calamitous event last week as a six-year-old hydroelectric dam in the Himalayas developed a crack due to intense rain, resulting in the flooding of a valley with glacial lake water. The ensuing floods washed away bridges and homes, prompting a mass exodus of thousands seeking safety.
In response to the disaster, Air Force helicopters were deployed on Monday for rescue operations in the affected areas. The flood, which began early Wednesday, has led to the loss of 52 lives, with approximately 100 individuals still missing. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing in challenging weather conditions.
The severely impacted Mangan district in Sikkim saw the arrival of helicopters to aid around 3,000 stranded tourists as weather conditions began to improve. The dam at the epicentre of the disaster, Teesta 3, is the largest hydroelectric dam in Sikkim and had faced controversy since its construction due to concerns about its design and placement. A 2019 report had flagged the vulnerability of Lhonak Lake to potential flooding that could breach dams and cause extensive damage.
The exact trigger for this deadly flood remains unclear; however, experts point to the intense rain and a 6.2-magnitude earthquake in neighbouring Nepal the day before. The flood initiated when the glacial lake overflowed, causing the Teesta 3 dam to crack open. The ensuing deluge surged through towns in the valley below, carrying bodies for kilometers downstream, reaching neighbouring states like West Bengal and Bangladesh.
Amidst the devastation, 89 stranded tourists were airlifted out of northern Sikkim as weather conditions improved, while an additional 10, including five Thai nationals, were guided to safety by rescuers. The flood wreaked havoc, destroying numerous bridges, impacting pipelines, and damaging hundreds of houses in northern Sikkim. Out of the 23 Indian soldiers initially reported missing, one was rescued, and nine were confirmed to have lost their lives, with the search ongoing for the rest.
Rescue efforts have been further complicated by the lack of land access and mobile connectivity in the affected area, making it challenging to coordinate operations and share crucial information. Thousands of individuals are currently seeking shelter in relief camps set up by the state to provide support and assistance during this distressing tragedy.
