Guwahati, 6th October: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on October 6 declared a state of emergency in response to the critical situation in Sikkim. Immediate action has been taken to provide assistance, with the dispatch of two senior officers tasked with expediting the evacuation of 160 students from Rongpo and Majitar.
The urgency of the situation stems from recent devastating events in Sikkim, where a glacial lake breached its banks, leading to catastrophic flash floods that have tragically claimed the lives of at least 40 individuals. The overflow of Lhonak Lake, triggered by a cloudburst and heavy rainfall, resulted in extensive flooding along the Teesta River.
This natural disaster has had profound and widespread consequences, impacting the lives of approximately 22,000 people in Sikkim. The timing is particularly unfortunate, as it occurred just before the onset of a popular festive and tourism season in the state.
Efforts to provide relief and support have faced considerable challenges. Unfavorable weather conditions have hindered the landing of a helicopter carrying twenty-five NDRF personnel who had arrived in Chungthang from Guwahati for rescue operations.
Meanwhile, the Sikkim government has issued an additional alert regarding the potential burst of glacial lakes and has advised tourists to postpone their travel plans. This caution is due to concerns about explosives and ammunition being washed away from an army camp during the recent flash floods. Authorities are vigilantly monitoring the Shako Cho Lake near Lachen, which is at risk of bursting. As a precautionary measure, residents in the surrounding areas are being evacuated.