Sikkim flash floods: One of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) centers, the National Remote Sensing Centre showed images of South Lhonak Lake in Sikkim changing its shape due to flash floods in the Himalayan state. A satellite-based study on the outburst of the South Lhonak lake in Sikkim by obtaining temporal satellite images (before & after) over the water body was observed.
“It is observed that Lake is Burst and about 105 hectares area has been drained out (28 September 2023 image versus 04 October 2023) which might have created a flash flood downstream,” an ISRO statement said on Wednesday.
The space agency said it will continue monitoring the lake further using satellite data. As many as 14 people have died and 120 others, including 22 army personnel, went missing after flash floods wreaked havoc in Sikkim on Wednesday. They further stated that around 200 people have been rescued so far, including an army soldier.
Indian Army issues helplines for families of missing
The Indian Army has started three helplines for families of missing people in Sikkim including its own soldiers. The numbers are given below:
- Army Helpline for North Sikkim – 8750887741
- Army Helpline for East Sikkim – 8756991895
- Army Helpline for missing soldiers – 7588302011
CM urges people to remain vigilant
Following the disaster, Chief Minister PS Tamang visited Singtam to assess the damage caused by the flash flood in the Teesta River basin. He also held a meeting with senior officials at the Singtam Nagar Panchayat office and asked them to keep vigil. “Emergency services have been mobilized to the affected areas, and I personally visited Singtam to assess the damages and engage with the local community,” he wrote on ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter).
Relief and rescue measures underway
The Chief Secretary of Sikkim joined the meeting through video conferencing and apprised the Committee about the latest situation in the state. He also briefed the committee about the efforts of the state government in carrying out relief and rescue measures. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla informed the Committee that the situation is being monitored 24×7 by the Central Government at the highest level.
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