Flood hits army establishments in Sikkim, LAC secured

EOI, GANGTOK, OCTOBER 8, 2023 : While the hinterland of Sikkim has been affected badly by the Glacial Lake Outburst in South Lhonak Lake early on October 4, the operational situation along the Line of Actual Control in Sikkim continues to be stable, a PIB release said on Sunday. 

The formations responsible for the Border Management Posture are maintaining a high state of readiness and are optimally stocked as per the sustainable operational logistics plan. The army, while continuing with search and rescue operations, is focusing on resuscitation of communication and other infrastructure in a well- coordinated manner. 

According to the release, the level of water in river Teesta River rose by about 50-60 feet in height following the lake outburst, causing calamitous floods downstream and large-scale damage to infrastructure, Some of the army camps deployed in the Teesta riverbank have been damaged or washed away. 

A vehicle parking area at Burdang near Singtam has been affected by the flash flood and 23 soldiers and 39 vehicles that had been taking a temporary overnight transit halt have been submerged in silt or swept away. 

At the site of the incident, silt and mud measuring up to 30 to 40 feet high has been deposited and most of the vehicles are buried underneath. A massive search and rescue operation has been launched by the army, the Border Roads Organization, and other agencies. On October 4 evening, one soldier was rescued by villagers from an area 18 km downstream of Burdang. He is now stable and under medical care. 

About 26 bodies in total have been recovered so far from various areas along the river in north Bengal and four bodies have been handed over by Bangladesh Border Forces. Eght of the bodies have been positively identified as that of army soldiers. 

The last rites of Naik Bimal Oraon hailing from Alipurduar were conducted last Friday with full military honours. The mortal remains of four soldiers were taken to their native places on Saturday by service and civil aircraft for conduct of last rites in presence of the family members. 

The post mortem of two bodies is in progress. The search operation for the remaining 14 soldiers is continuing. Dozers and plant equipment have been digging up the site of the incident at Burdang. 

Since last Friday, Leo Life Detector Radars, REECO Radars and army dogs have also been employed in locating missing vehicles and equipment of the army. So far, 15 vehicles out of the total 39 missing have been recovered. Some army ammunition, explosives and stores from various camps swept away have been reported from various places along the downstream river banks. 

The army has issued advisories through the civil administration and deployed loo- out teams along with the State Police to warn locals for reporting sighting of such items. Ammunition experts have been deployed to destroy the explosives recovered in a controlled manner. National Highway 10, the lifeline of Sikkim, has been rendered unusable due to the damages to the road surface and the washing away of many bridges along river Teesta. The opening/ of the stretch of NH 10 between Rangpo and Singtam is under way. 

Alternative routes to Gangtok are open, but in north Sikkim roads beyond Mangan are currently cut off. GOC-in-C, Eastern Command Lt Gen R. P. Kalita, along with GOC Trishakti Corps Lt Gen VPS Kaushik on Friday undertook an aerial survey to assess the extent of damage and plan for the relief effort. 

The Director General Border Roads Organizationalong with army engineers, along with the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation are assessing the damage and carrying out surveys for restoring the road connectivity. 

Efforts are on to connect Chungthang with a foot bridge. Helicopters of the army and the air force are undertaking emergency supply and evacuation sorties. However, inclement weather and incessant rains have hindered the aerial operations