The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Army are continuing their operations in flood-affected areas of Sikkim, evacuating almost 2,000 people.
The IAF utilized its Chinook and Mi-17 V5 helicopters to evacuate 1,700 individuals from flood-damaged districts.
Another 245 people were evacuated from Rabom, a village in North Sikkim, after Army personnel travelled through difficult forests and mountain terrain from October 7 to 13.
Army forces also evacuated 97 Kundan Hydro Power Project workers and 80 to 100 residents who were stranded during the sudden floods. On October 4, a cloudburst above Lhonak Lake caused flash floods in the Teesta River watershed, affecting approximately 87,300 people.
The IAF said in a statement that the rescue efforts will continue as long as the need persists. The Air Force also sent in an additional 200 men to help with the evacuation efforts.
According to the IAF, in over 200 flights performed during the evacuation missions, its helicopters carried nearly 99 tonnes of relief items.
FLOODING IN SIKKIM
A cloudburst above Lhonak Lake caused flash flooding in the Teesta River watershed on October 4, affecting approximately 87,300 people.
The deluge killed at least 77 people, including 10 army soldiers, and left 80 more missing.
Work is underway to restore connectivity in certain areas of North Sikkim that were cut off by flash floods, including the construction of temporary bridges and other infrastructure.
Army and BRO workers removed the muck on the road through Chungthang, which was the hardest impacted by the flash flood. With the assistance of ITBP and locals, a log bridge was completed.
Meanwhile, cell phone service has been restored in Lachung, and it will be restored soon in Lachen Valley.
0 Comments