The Indian state of Sikkim is now facing a dire situation. Due to continuous heavy rainfall on Wednesday morning, the bursting of the Lhonak Lake has left Sikkim in astonishment. In this incident, at least 14 people have lost their lives due to the catastrophe involving the breach of the Lhonak Dam. The Sikkim government has stated that there are still at least 120 individuals, including 22 members of the armed forces, who are missing. Administrative information suggests that the death toll may rise further. In the wake of this disaster, on Wednesday morning, 23 soldiers were reported missing. Among them, one soldier has now been successfully rescued. However, the physical condition of this rescued soldier is currently reported as critical, according to military sources.
In North Sikkim, the torrential rainfall has led to a disaster over the Lhonak Lake. The Chungthang Bridge in Sikkim has collapsed, and the water level of the Teesta River has risen dramatically. The areas surrounding the river have been transformed into disaster zones. As a result of this incident, many tourists from West Bengal and other parts of India have been stranded in the state. They primarily arrived via West Bengal. The state administration is making strenuous efforts to rescue them.
Bus, train, and air travelers are arriving in Sikkim from various parts of India. The crowd at Pujarimukh continues to grow. Following this incident, the foreign tourists’ entry arrangements into Sikkim have been suspended. They have not been allowed to enter the state without proper authorization. The railway police have arranged for meals for those stranded at the station.
The possibility of river and road crossings is increasing. However, at this time, the most reliable route to reach Sikkim, National Highway 10 (formerly National Highway 31A), has been closed. As a result, vehicular movement from Siliguri to Sikkim has come to a halt. At this time, nearly two thousand tourists have been stranded in Sikkim. Many passengers who were headed to Sikkim from New Jalpaiguri Station were stuck at the station. The railway police have arranged for their meals.
Many travelers are waiting here to go to Sikkim. NJP’s RPF ACP Soheb Alam Khan said, “For passengers, soldiers, and tourists, we have arranged for meals. Many people are waiting here to go to Sikkim. Assisting them is our duty.”
