In response to the catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in Sikkim, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced significant disaster assistance for the State in the General Budget 2024-2025.
The disaster struck on October 3, 2023, when the South Lhonak Lake, located at an altitude of 17,000 feet in northwest Sikkim, burst due to relentless heavy rainfall. The rupture unleashed a torrent of water downstream, leading to severe flooding in the Teesta River.
The flood affected four districts: Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi, as reported by the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA).
In addition to the widespread flooding, the deluge caused a critical breach in the Chungthang Hydro-Dam on the Teesta River, worsening the devastation and resulting in extensive destruction and displacement.
The Finance Minister asserted on the government’s commitment to aiding Sikkim’s recovery, noting that the new budget includes funds for disaster relief and infrastructure reconstruction to help the State rebuild and recover from the calamity.
