Sikkim Flood: Government Allocates Rs 44.8 Crore Relief for Flood-Hit Sikkim

GANGTOK: In a significant move, the central government has granted a relief package totaling Rs 44.8 crore to assist the flood-ravaged northeastern state of Sikkim. This financial support was approved by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the devastating floods in the region. The relief aid will be disbursed as an advance amount sourced from the central portion of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) allocated to Sikkim.

Furthermore, the central government has taken proactive measures by constituting an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damages inflicted by the floods triggered by the bursting of a lake in the area. This assessment by the IMCT will serve as the basis for determining the additional central assistance to be provided from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to support Sikkim's recovery efforts. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released an official statement affirming this commitment.

Unfortunately, the flood situation in Sikkim has taken a toll on human lives, with the death toll currently standing at 21 individuals. This tragedy underscores the urgency of the relief efforts and the need for swift and effective government intervention.

In a concerning development, the Indian Ministry of Defence has reported the loss of vital military equipment, including firearms and explosives, due to the overwhelming floods that swept through Sikkim. The equipment was swept away by the floodwaters and ended up in the Teesta River. A spokesperson from the Defence Ministry issued an official statement addressing this alarming situation.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, the Jalpaiguri district police in West Bengal issued an "urgent notice for the public" regarding the missing military equipment, emphasizing the importance of locating and securing these items swiftly and effectively.

To address this challenge, the Indian Army has proactively taken action by establishing lookout teams along the river downstream. These teams are dedicated to tracking down and recovering the missing military equipment, including firearms and explosives, to prevent any potential risks or misuse.

The central government's approval of Rs 44.8 crore in relief funds for flood-affected Sikkim is a crucial step in alleviating the suffering of those affected by this natural disaster. Simultaneously, the loss of military equipment in the Teesta River underscores the multifaceted challenges posed by the floods, necessitating coordinated efforts to ensure safety and recovery.

ALSO READ: Major Heroin Bust in Meghalaya: Rs 9 Crore Worth of Narcotics Seized

ALSO WATCH: