North Sikkim under flood alert as Teesta River flows over danger mark

Gangtok: As monsoon hits, north-eastern India and most of the states of the region are experiencing rainfall, flood alert starts ringing for North Sikkim. Several areas in north Sikkim are experiencing heavy rainfall due to which a flood alert has been raised. Other than North Sikkim, its neighbouring areas of Bengal too are under the grip of the flood.

With a massive cloudburst inundating the upper reaches of Teesta River, the water level of Teesta River is flowing over the danger mark. This has thus resulted in the river posing as a great threat of flood for the neighbouring areas.

As per reports, Teesta III Chungthang water reservoir experienced a cloudburst. The river has five dams and the cloudburst might lead to having a cascading effect on other dams too. So far, Teesta III has released 600 Cumecs of water from its Chungathang dam and if this release of water continues or increases in the following time then this will invite a big danger for Sikkim.

The authority has, however, asked the villagers living near the river bank not to panic. The local people are advised not to go to the riverside for fodder, firewood or fishing as this might prove to be deadly for one. With the river currents at its strong pace, anyone may slip off and sweep away by the water flow.

The Sikkim government has also made sure that the necessary emergency services are ready to be deployed on standby. State Disaster Response team from Gangtok and the NDRF base camp at Pakyong are kept ready in the particular areas that have a flood alert.

The Sikkim government, known for its punctual administration and timely functioning, is well-prepared to deal with the flood issues if it occurs. In that case, there is hardly any reason for the locals to panic

Also read: Guwahati under Flash flood woes, city roads waterlogged