Flash flood: ITBP rescues 56 people in North Sikkim’s Chungthang, search continues

North Sikkim’s one of the worst hit areas in the flash flood – Chungthang – witnessed a miraculous rescue of fifty six people recently. The ITBP Rescue Team successfully carried out the rescue operation via a ropeway made by them.

52 men and four women were among the rescued. However, the hunt for the missing is still underway. According to the latest updates, 30 dead bodies have been recovered so far.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that an Indian Army personnel of Assam, who went missing in the Sikkim flash flood, has been confirmed dead. The 54-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party leader further added that his thoughts and condolences go out to the grieving family during this difficult time.

It is to be noted that nine army men have lost their lives in the Sikkim flash flood so far. The deceased soldier was identified as Mitul Kalita. He was deployed at the technical department of the army in Alipurduar.

Sikkim flash flood

The flash flood in the area on Wednesday was incited by a cloudburst. According to the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), around 41,870 people were affected by the disaster in four districts.

Drones, army dogs and special radars are being used by the authorities for search operations. At least 2,563 people have been rescued so far. Thirty relief camps set up across the state are giving shelter to 6,875 people.

The sudden flow of water washed away more than 1,320 houses and resulted in the destruction of 13 bridges. The latest information from the flood-hit areas reveals that over 3,000 tourists stranded in Lachen and Lachung in the Mangan district are safe.