Northeast Desk, 4th October: The State Disaster Management of Sikkim has issued a flood alert following torrential rainfall that caused the Teesta River to swell. In a social media post, the state disaster management urged people to refrain from traveling along the river basin due to the flood risk.
Furthermore, the state disaster management warned via social media that the Teesta River Basin had experienced flooding possibly due to a cloud burst in the northern part of the Mangan district. They advised everyone to remain vigilant and avoid traveling in the affected area.
The Teesta River on October 4 reportedly exceeded its danger level due to a possible cloudburst, resulting in the submersion of several low-lying areas. There were reports of vehicles, parts of ATTC college, and NH-10 being washed away. Additionally, there were reports of some army personnel being swept away by the floodwaters.
Reports have indicated an impending threat of further damage as the South Lhonal Lake is on the brink of overflowing, which could trigger flash floods. Furthermore, there is an elevated risk of the South Khonak River overflowing, indicating a potentially volatile situation.
Residents in low-lying areas, particularly Sangkalang, Bringbong, Ohidang, Dikchu, Makha, Singtam, Rangpo, and Melli, have been advised to relocate to safer locations.
Meanwhile, the State Disaster Management Minister Kunga Nima Lepcha, Minister BS Panth, and LB Das, along with district commissioners and officials, have reached the flood-affected areas of Singtam, Adarsh Goan, and nearby regions.