Sikkim Flash Floods: 8 Dead Army Personnel Recovered; Search On For 14 Missing And Other Civilians

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the recovery of the mortal remains of eight Army personnel who had gone missing during flash floods in Sikkim. In a heartfelt message posted on X, he expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in the recent flash floods caused by a glacial lake burst in Sikkim.

Singh stated, "Deeply pained by the tragic loss of precious lives, including eight Army personnel in the recent flash floods arising out of a glacial lake burst in Sikkim."

He acknowledged the sacrifice made by these brave soldiers while serving the nation in forward areas and assured that their sacrifices would never be forgotten. "Out of the 23 missing soldiers, one was rescued while mortal remains of eight brave soldiers were recovered. Their sacrifice, while being deployed in forward areas in the service of the nation, will not be forgotten. Search operations to rescue remaining 14 soldiers and missing civilians are underway," added the Union Defence Minister

Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate the remaining 14 soldiers and missing civilians.

What happened in Sikkim after the flash floods till now?

The flash flood incident in Sikkim, triggered by a cloudburst in the early hours of Wednesday, 4th October has claimed the lives of approximately 27 people, including eight Army personnel. The calamity has left over 25,000 people affected, caused damage to more than 1,200 houses, and led to the destruction of 13 bridges in the Himalayan state, according to a report from the Secretary-cum State Relief Commissioner of the Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department on Saturday, 7th October.

Fortunately, over 3,000 tourists who were stranded in Lachen and Lachung in Mangan district of Sikkim due to the flash floods have been reported safe by officials as reported by PTI.

Sikkim's Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, announced financial relief measures, including an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and immediate relief of Rs 2,000 each for individuals taking shelter in relief camps.

Additionally, the State Government, in collaboration with Sikkim Urja Limited, has devised a special financial relief package for the affected areas in Sikkim. Chief Minister Tamang announced on his social media handle X, "We have allocated a relief package of Rs 25 crore for Mangan District and Rs 15 crore each for the Districts of Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi. This allocation is in addition to the relief aid provided by both the state and the central government."

Furthermore, the State Government intends to offer subsidies to those involved in transporting essential commodities and food items to Sikkim, thereby preventing price inflation for local residents due to longer travel routes. "The State Government will offer subsidies to those who transport essential commodities, vegetables, and other food items to our state. This measure aims to ensure that the additional expenses incurred due to longer travel routes do not inflate the selling prices for our local residents," said CM Tamang.

The Chief Minister emphasized the government's commitment to restoring road and network connectivity in the severely affected regions of Mangan District, which are currently isolated from the rest of the state.