Sikkim flash floods: 26 bodies recovered, search operation underway for 142 missing
At least 26 dead bodies have recovered so far while the search continues for the 142 people who are still missing, said official on Friday.
Sikkim: At least 26 dead bodies, including those of seven Army jawans, have been recovered so far, along with debris from the flash flood in the Teesta River that devastated Sikkim, while the search continued for the 142 people who are still missing, an official said on Friday night.
The flash flood, which struck in the early hours of Wednesday, has had a severe impact on over 25,000 people. More than 1,200 houses have been damaged, and 13 bridges have been washed away, leaving the picturesque Himalayan state grappling with the aftermath.
Rescue operations have been underway, with 2,413 people successfully rescued from various affected areas. Additionally, 6,875 individuals have sought shelter in 22 relief camps established across the state. Many parts of Sikkim have been cut off from the rest of the country due to the flood’s devastating impact.
In response to the crisis, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has announced financial support for the affected families. He declared an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives and immediate relief of Rs 2,000 for each person seeking shelter in the camps.
However, challenges persist in rescuing approximately 3,000 tourists stranded in North Sikkim. Multiple attempts by the Air Force to send Mi-17 helicopters for rescue operations have been thwarted by adverse weather conditions. The helicopters were unable to take off from Bagdogra and Chaten due to low-lying clouds and poor visibility in the valleys of Lachen and Lachung. Aerial rescue operations are expected to resume on Saturday morning if weather conditions improve.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there is a likelihood of light to moderate rainfall in most areas of Mangan district over the next five days. Lachen and Lachung are expected to remain cloudy during this period.
Ms Kalinga