High Alert in North & East Sikkim as river Teesta's water level rises abnormally (VIDEOS)
Wednesday, 4 October 2023 (16:39 IST)
Gangtok: In a sudden and alarming development, the North District administration of Sikkim has issued a high alert in response to the abnormal rise in the water level of the Teesta River late Tuesday night, official sources said on Wednesday.
SP (Mangan District), Sonam Detchu, confirmed the high alert in a phone conversation to a local newspaper.
He stated that all police stations in the low line areas have been put on alert, and residents living along the banks of the Teesta River have been urgently advised to evacuate to higher ground for their safety.
"We have no exact reason for the sudden surge in water levels, but the river has upsurged significantly," Detchu added, emphasising the need for immediate action.
Additionally, it has been reported that the small town of Chungthang in North Sikkim is now completely cut off from the rest of the region.
This isolation has occurred due to the snapping of a vital bridge that connects Mangan and Chungthang, exacerbating the challenges posed by the rising river levels.
SP Gangtok, Tenzing Loden Lepcha said the residents of Singtam and Rangpo in East Sikkim have been evacuated to higher areas.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating rescue and relief efforts. Residents are urged to heed the evacuation orders and stay safe during this critical time.
A report from Darjeeling said BJP M Raju Bista on Wednesday in a letter to Prime minister Narendra Modi sought his action immediately requesting him to constitute a high level disaster monitoring and response team for the entire Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri belt.
"I have informed the PM that a glacial Loktak Lake burst in North Sikkim, has caused the rise of water levels with a very high velocity wind nearing about 15m/sec crossed Central Water Commission Melli FF site measuring 227m near about 3m above danger level at 0600 am." Bista wrote on Wednesday. (UNI)
