Sikkim: Teesta River flowing above danger level, alert issued for Teesta Basin residents

According to SSDMA, the Teesta River's water levels may rise even further as Lachen, Chungthang and Mangan are witnessing heavy rainfall.

Reported by Prakash Adhikari

The Teesta River in Sikkim is flowing above the danger level after heavy rainfall in North Sikkim. The continuous downpour for the past few days has significantly raised water levels, posing a threat to areas along the river’s course.

In anticipation of such possibilities, the state government had already issued an alert for residents living along the Teesta Basin yesterday. The authorities have urged people to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols to minimize risk.

According to the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) Control Room, the Teesta River’s water levels may rise even further as Lachen, Chungthang and Mangan are witnessing heavy rainfall.

As per DDMA Gangtok, concerned officers including Block Development Officers of Rakdong Tintek, Khamdong, Municipal Executive Officer of Singtam and Station House Officer (SHO) Sadar and Singtam have been alerted to keep vigil on the rising levels of river Teesta.

Further, in case of river water crossing danger levels, grassroot committee members headed by Panchahyats and Councillor’s have been directed to evacuate residents living near teesta basin and rivers to avoid any untoward incidents.

Meanwhile, North Sikkim Administration have also issued a separate alert pertaining to the rise in water levels of Kanaka River, leading to Mantam Bridge being swept away.

The bridge was crucial as it connected Upper Dzongu, Tingvong Busty.

It needs to be mentioned here that earlier last year in October, heavy rainfall triggered the catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) at the South Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim.

The GLOF subsequently released huge volume of water downstream along the Teesta River Basin killing at least 40 people and 76 people went missing. At least a hundred villages across four districts were affected in the tragedy.

Also Read: There is a cultural identity between Sikkim and Darjeeling: Sikkim CM PS Tamang

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