Indian Rescue Teams Face Challenges Reaching Flood-Hit Areas in Sikkim

Indian rescue teams are encountering difficulties in reaching flood-hit areas in the north-eastern state of Sikkim, where heavy rain continues to hamper their efforts. More than 140 people are currently missing after the Lhonak Lake burst its banks due to a cloudburst-triggered torrential rain and an apparent avalanche, causing major flooding in the Teesta river.

V.B. Pathak, the state’s chief secretary, stated that rescue operations are on hold until weather conditions improve, allowing air force and other rescue teams to venture into the affected areas. The death toll has risen to 44, with 2 additional casualties reported since Friday. Search and rescue personnel have been deployed across Sikkim and the northern parts of West Bengal, while areas near the river remain on high alert.

Efforts to locate the missing individuals are further complicated by the destruction of 13 bridges and the collapse of a key highway connecting Sikkim with Siliguri in West Bengal. However, around 2,000 tourists in the Lachung, Lachen, and Chungthung areas of north Sikkim have been reported safe, with the army providing satellite phones for communication with their families.

The floods in Sikkim are considered one of the worst disasters in the region in over 50 years. This event is part of a series of extreme weather occurrences in South Asia’s Himalayas, which scientists attribute to climate change.

Local lawmakers are exploring alternative routes, including trekking paths, to reach the disaster-hit areas. The floods have caused significant damage to infrastructure and disrupted the lives of the approximately 650,000 people residing in Sikkim.

Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation as they work to provide aid and support to the affected regions.