In the flood-affected regions of Sikkim, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Army are continuing their efforts, having successfully evacuated more than 2,000 individuals through combined operations.
The IAF effectively deployed its Chinook and Mi-17 V5 helicopters to evacuate approximately 1,700 individuals from the areas heavily impacted by the floods.
Furthermore, Army units embarked on a challenging mission, traversing through dense forests and mountainous terrain from October 7 to 13, successfully rescuing 245 people stranded in the village of Rabom in North Sikkim.
In addition to these efforts, Army personnel extended their support by rescuing 97 workers associated with the Kundan Hydro Power Project and approximately 80 to 100 local residents who found themselves trapped due to the flash floods. The flash floods were triggered by a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake on October 4, affecting around 87,300 individuals in the Teesta River basin.
The IAF has confirmed that they will persist with their rescue operations as long as the need remains, as reflected in their recent statement. Additionally, the Air Force has deployed an additional force of 200 personnel to enhance their evacuation endeavors.
As per the IAF's records, their helicopters have undertaken nearly 200 sorties, delivering close to 99 tonnes of relief materials during the evacuation missions.
The flash flood event of October 4 led to devastating consequences in the Teesta River basin, affecting a considerable population of around 87,300 individuals.
Tragically, the floods resulted in the loss of at least 77 lives, which included 10 army personnel, while around 80 individuals remain unaccounted for.
Ongoing work is being carried out to reestablish connectivity in some of the isolated regions in North Sikkim affected by the flash floods, involving the construction of temporary bridges and other necessary measures.
Chungthang, one of the severely impacted areas, has seen the joint efforts of the Army and the Border Roads Organization (BRO) to clear the sludge obstructing the town's road. Additionally, a log bridge was successfully erected in collaboration with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and local residents.
Furthermore, mobile phone connectivity has been restored in Lachung, with plans to restore connectivity in Lachen Valley underway.
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