Kolkata:

Connectivity to Sikkim, together with capital Gangtok, has been affected on Wednesday after an overflowing Teesta river washed away elements of NH-10 that connects the state to the remainder of the nation. The river water rose to an alarming degree after a cloudburst triggered a flash flood within the northeastern state.

The cloudburst occurred over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim resulting in the flooding of the river which flows by way of Sikkim and West Bengal.

An enormous search is on to find 23 Army personnel, reported lacking after the flash floods.

Videos recorded by locals confirmed a big part of a highway washed away by the raging river waters. As per the Central Water Commission, Teesta was flowing under warning degree at 6am on Wednesday and anticipated to cross its warning degree inside six hours.

“The flash flood made its way through River Teesta sweeping Indreni Bridge in Singtam town, some 30 kilometres from Gangtok. A connecting bridge of the Balutar hamlet was also swept away around 4 am,” the Gangtok District Administration told news agency ANI.  Many homes near the river basin in Singtam have been evacuated to temporary relief camps in the town.

Residents from the Chungthang town, some 90 kilometres north of Gangtok, near the Teesta Dam have also been rescued. As per the defence ministry, two bridges were also damaged in Dikchu and Toong towns connecting Singtam to Chungthang in North Sikkim. The Border Road Organisation (BRO) is rescuing locals in the areas.

Earlier, a flash flood alert was issued in the north and east districts of Sikkim. Parts of Sikkim have witnessed heavy rain since last night. “Low mendacity areas similar to Gazoldoba, Domohani, Mekhaliganj and Ghish could also be affected. Please be alert,” it stated.

“Nobody has been injured however there was important injury to public property. Some individuals have additionally been reported lacking. Relief operations are happening,” said Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said while on a visit to Singtam.

Those living on the banks of the Teesta river have also been advised to evacuate their homes to ensure their safety. All are advised to stay alert and avoid travel along the Teesta river basin, an alert message by Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority read.

“Light to reasonable rainfall is predicted in the course of the subsequent 3-4 days over Sikkim,” the climate workplace stated in a tweet.