“Our priority is to rescue the stranded and restore road connectivity”: Sikkim CM

CM Tamang alleged that the previous government did not build the dam properly, which could have helped control the current situation

By Bhargobi Khaund

Amid the catastrophic flash floods that is wreaking havoc in the Himalayan state of Sikkim, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang met people in the flood-affected areas of Naga Village in Mangan today.

CM Tamang explained the challenges faced due to bad weather in Gangtok and Mangan, preventing air evacuations. Despite having twin-engine helicopters from Teesta Urja in Gangtok, they couldn’t carry out air evacuations due to the weather conditions.

He assured that the state government would take all the necessary steps. Their top priorities are rescuing individuals, locating missing people, clearing debris, and restoring water and electricity supplies in the state.

“Our priority is to rescue the stranded and restore road connectivity”, said CM Tamang said.

“Of the 22 missing Army men, 7 dead bodies have been recovered. Over 22,000 families affected, 3,900 rescued and sheltered in 26 relief camps, added Chief Minister Tamang.

CM Tamang expressed gratitude for the support from the Government of India, which provided logistics, army assistance, and financial aid for immediate relief. President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi had also called to check on the situation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah was expected to visit Gangtok tomorrow.

He noted that it was too early to estimate the exact loss, but a technical team would be set up by the Sikkim government, and the Ministry of Home Affairs would assess the damage to government and civil properties.

In terms of road connectivity, some roads haave reopened, but the Chungthang road in North Sikkim is closed. CM Tamang promised to personally assess the situation and work on restoring connectivity in Dzongu.

The most significant damage was observed at the Chungthang dam on the Teesta River. CM Tamang alleged that the previous government did not build the dam properly, which could have helped control the current situation. He pledged to investigate the matter, form an inquiry committee, and involve a central committee to ensure accountability and punishment for those responsible.

Also Read : Sikkim flash floods day 4: Death toll mounts to 43, over 150 missing

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