In a bid to avert a repeat of the 2023 disaster, the Sikkim government has intensified its efforts, utilising satellite technology to monitor vulnerable glacial lakes as heavy rainfall continues to batter the high-altitude regions of the Himalayan state in eastern India.
"We are taking the help of satellite imageries to keep a watch over at least 3–4 glacial lakes in the high-altitude areas of North Sikkim. The state science and technology department is in constant touch with the National Remote Sensing Centre for this. We are getting regular updates on the glacial lakes," said VB Pathak, chief secretary of Sikkim.
Between Wednesday and Thursday morning, Mangan district in North Sikkim experienced 220mm of rain, leading to multiple landslides that claimed at least six lives in Pakshep and Ambhithang areas, with power and communication lines disrupted.
"We are yet to receive any data on weather conditions in North Sikkim as communication lines have been damaged. But rain is still pouring in North Sikkim," said an IMD official in Gangtok.
In October 2023, Sikkim faced a devastating flash flood triggered by a glacial lake outburst of South Lhonak Lake, resulting in widespread damage and casualties downstream.
The state authorities have also deployed personnel from border guarding agencies like the ITBP in high-altitude regions to monitor water levels. They are tasked with informing authorities of any rise in water levels in rivers and channels, allowing timely evacuation of downstream areas along the banks of River Teesta.
Despite the failure of an Advanced Warning System (AWS) installed at South Lhonak Lake before the 2023 disaster, Sikkim's robust response and evacuation model played a crucial role in saving lives.
"We have developed special response and evacuation models for vulnerable towns, and the people were made aware of the plan through computer simulations, mock drills, and regular campaigns. Whenever an alert comes, they know what to do and where exactly to go," said a senior official.
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