On Wednesday evening, ISRO, the space agency, released time-lapsed satellite images showcasing significant alterations in the water volume of Sikkim’s Lhonak Lake.
In New Delhi, approximately 65% of Sikkim’s Lhonak Lake, covering about 105 hectares, has been depleted due to a cloudburst that caused the lake to overflow, resulting in sudden floods in the Teesta River.
On Wednesday evening, the Indian space agency ISRO unveiled temporal satellite imagery displaying significant alterations in the lake’s water volume. The pictures, captured on September 17 and September 28, reveal changes in the lake’s area, measuring 162.7 hectares and 167.4 hectares respectively, showcasing a noticeable transformation.
A photo captured at 6 AM on Wednesday, following a cloudburst and flash flood that caused extensive damage in the state, washing away a significant portion of a hydroelectric project and leaving 49 individuals unaccounted for, displays the lake’s size reduced by over half, with an approximate 60.3 hectares of water remaining.
“The size of the lake has changed over time, notably on September 17, September 28, and October 4. It appears that the lake has burst, leading to the drainage of approximately 105 hectares. This could potentially result in a sudden flood downstream. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) mentioned that they will keep track of the lake’s condition using satellite data.”
The floods caused the death of at least eight individuals, according to news agency PTI, citing unnamed officials. Additionally, three bodies were discovered hundreds of kilometers downstream in north Bengal. The remaining five bodies were found in Golitar and Singtam areas of the state, as reported by Gangtok district officer Mahendra Chettri.
23 soldiers are missing, and the Army and local authorities are working together for a rescue mission.
PTI reported that 45 individuals were saved, with 18 of them sustaining injuries.
Last night, Sikkim experienced substantial rainfall. According to the weather department, the northern region of the state, where the lake is located, received almost 50 mm of rain from Sunday—48% above the usual amount.
In different regions of the state, there was even heavier rainfall. Eastern areas experienced a significant 315% increase in unseasonal rainfall, and South Sikkim received an enormous 943% more rain. Additionally, West Sikkim saw a 50% increase in rainfall.
The heavy rain over Lhonak Lake made it overflow and also raised the water levels in the Teesta River, which passes through Sikkim and Bengal before reaching Bangladesh.
The Teesta River overflowed and washed away sections of the Chungthang dam, the largest hydropower project in the state. The Army mentioned that the water level passing through the dam caused a sudden rise of 15-20 feet downstream.
Visuals depicted severe flooding in the Mangan district of North Sikkim.
A steel bridge located in Singtam, situated 30 km away from Gangtok, was entirely demolished.
Parts of National Highway 10 were washed out, and many other roads were harmed, causing significant challenges in reaching Gangtok, Pakyong, Namchi, Gyalshing, Soreng, and Mangan districts.
People living in low-lying regions of Chungthang and Singtam have been moved to safer places.
No injuries reported, but there’s extensive public property damage. Relief efforts are underway, stated Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang during a tour of the impacted areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned that he had a conversation with Chief Minister Tamang and ensured him of assistance.