Inter-Ministerial Central Team Formed to Assess Sikkim Flash Flood Damages

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has established an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) to assess the damages resulting from a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that triggered a flash flood in Sikkim on October 4, leading to casualties and disappearances. The central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has pledged full support to the state of Sikkim. Home Minister Amit Shah has authorized the early release of both installments of the Central Share of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), amounting to Rs 44.80 crore for 2023-24, to aid the state in providing relief to affected individuals.

An IMCT will visit the affected areas to evaluate the damages, and based on their assessment, additional Central assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) will be approved as per established procedures. The central government is closely monitoring the situation, providing logistical support, and deploying various teams to assist in relief efforts and infrastructure restoration.