Gangtok: At least 23 Army personnel went missing today morning due to a flash flood in Teesta river in Sikkim’s Lachen Valley. The Army vehicles parked at Bardang near Singtam were submerged in the flash flood after the water level rose up to 15-20 feet high downstream after being released from Chungthang dam.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of widespread rainfall in multiple states in the vicinity of a low-pressure area lying over southeast Jharkhand, which is likely to move nearly eastwards during the next two to three days across West Bengal.
“Rainfall observed over Sikkim during 0830 hrs IST to 0530 hrs IST of today Mangam (North Sikkim) 2.5; Tadong (East Sikkim) 30.0mm; Ravangla (South Sikkim) 52.0mm; Manga Geyzing (West Sikkim) 39.5 mm, Yuksom (West Sikkim) 26.5 mm; Soreng (West Sikkim) 84.0 mm”, tweeted IMD.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall over Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Jharkhand, and north Odisha on October 3 and 4, and over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram and Tripura on October 4 to 6.
The low-pressure area is expected to bring widespread rainfall to the following states:
- Bihar: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in isolated pockets on October 3 and 4.
- West Bengal: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in isolated pockets on October 3 and 4, and widespread rainfall is likely on October 5 and 6.
- Sikkim: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in isolated pockets on October 3 and 4.
- Jharkhand: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in isolated pockets on October 3 and 4.
- North Odisha: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in isolated pockets on October 3 and 4.
- Arunachal Pradesh: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in isolated pockets on October 4 to 6.
- Assam: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in isolated pockets on October 4 to 6.
- Meghalaya: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in isolated pockets on October 4 to 6.
- Mizoram and Tripura: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in isolated pockets on October 4 to 6.
As a part of the ongoing transitions from the monsoon season to post-monsoon weather patterns in India have changed. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an emergency advisory on Twitter. “Don’t hesitate in leaving behind your house in case of an imminent flash flood”, tweeted NDMA today morning.
The IMD has advised people in these states to be cautious and take necessary precautions, such as staying indoors during heavy rainfall, avoiding flooded areas, and following instructions from local authorities.
The low-pressure area is also likely to cause strong winds and thunderstorms in some areas. The IMD has advised fishermen to be cautious and avoid venturing into the sea.
The widespread rainfall is expected to provide much-needed relief to the people of these states, which have been facing a drought-like situation in recent months. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with heavy rainfall, such as flash floods, landslides, and mudslides. People in affected areas should take necessary precautions to stay safe.