Sikkim flood: Indian Army provides assistance to more than 1,700 tourists including foreign nationals stranded at Lachung

In the aftermath of a devastating deluge caused by a glacial lake outburst in the Lachung region of Sikkim, the Indian Army has continued its humanitarian efforts to aid stranded tourists. The Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army has been providing vital support, including medical assistance, food provisions, and communication services, to more than 1700 individuals, which includes 63 foreign nationals and local residents.

Despite challenging weather conditions, the Trishakti Corps has remained committed to its relief operations. Additionally, Indian Army aviators have conducted emergency sorties to reach those in need.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Ajay Kumar Mishra, also visited the flood-affected areas and interacted with flood victims at a relief camp in Mangan, Sikkim. Mishra acknowledged the scale of the tragedy, with significant loss of life, missing individuals, casualties, and severe damage to road connectivity. He revealed that a team comprising six ministries has been formed to initiate the reconstruction of infrastructure in the disaster-stricken state.

“This is a major tragedy. It is truly a significant crisis, resulting in extensive losses, missing persons, and numerous casualties. The disruption in road connectivity is substantial. Prime Minister Modi has spoken with the state Chief Minister about the steps to restore normalcy,” stated MoS Mishra during his conversation to the media after his visit to the affected areas.

He further elaborated on the efforts being made to locate missing individuals and emphasized that Home Minister Amit Shah has assembled a team of six ministries, including agriculture, road & transport, energy, water, finance, and the home ministry, to lead the reconstruction and infrastructure rehabilitation efforts.

According to a report from the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) dated October 8, the death toll stood at 33, with 105 people still reported as missing. The report also indicated that 2563 individuals have been successfully rescued, and 1634 houses have suffered damage due to the flash flood.

The incident originated when the Lhonak glacier in the Sikkim Himalayas ruptured on October 3, leading to the breach of one side of the lake, causing a sudden surge in water levels in the Teesta River and inundating multiple areas within the state.

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