Inter-Ministerial Central Team to survey North Sikkim for damage assessment

The Inter-Ministerial Central Team led by Joint Secretary (FFR), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Anant Kishore Saran took off from Burtuk helipad on Tuesday to survey the affected areas of North Sikkim and assess the damages.

The death toll in Sikkim flash floods have gone up to 74. While Sikkim accounted for 32 deaths, 40 other bodies were found in the riverbed of a raging Teesta in the neighbouring Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal.

Army stated that, “Displaying great synergy, 2426 stranded tourists and civilians were evacuated through the composite foot crossing created over River Teesta by united effort of BRO, Army, ITBP and other Govt agencies”.


Consequent upon the National Crisis Management Committee meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary, Government of India, which was attended by the Chief Secretary and senior officers of the State Government, Army and Airforce, on October 9, a Coordination Committee has been constituted to finalise the location for construction of suspension bailey bridges in the worst affected areas.

The Committee comprises senior officers of the BRO, and senior Engineers of the Roads and Bridges Department and Rural Development Department of the Government of Sikkim. The team has been assigned the responsibility to immediately start the inspection of suitable locations for construction of suspension bailey bridges to connect the cut-off areas, and submit the report by 12th October 2023.

The second day of the air evacuation process commenced Tuesday.The army helicopters from Lachen to Army Helipad, Libing, have already completed three sorties and rescued 76 people including 6 children.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang stated in X, “During this challenging period of turmoil and catastrophe that has befallen our beloved state, I wish to convey that the Hon'ble Members of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly from the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha Party, including Hon’ble Ministers and myself, have come together to make a collective donation of one month's salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF). This contribution is aimed at providing crucial support during this hour of need. I want to express my heartiest gratitude to all the members for their generous contributions when it is needed most”.