NEW DELHI: Of the 140 people who went missing during the Sikkim floods, 56 people have been found alive. The search is still on. The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) said that more than 80 people are yet to be found. Meanwhile, 29 more bodies were recovered from the banks of the Teesta River, taking the death toll to 73.

56 people were rescued by ropeway at Chungthang in North Sikkim. Rescue operations are ongoing in many areas. Communication with tourists stranded at Chungthang, Lachung and Lachen has been successfully established. Many stranded people were able to speak with their families. More than 3,000 tourists, including Malayalis, are stranded.

The authorities stated that the bad weather was affecting the rescue operation. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Kumar Mishra held talks with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to assess the flood situation. Meanwhile, Tamang has announced an inquiry into the collapse of the Chungthang Dam.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has appointed a special team to visit the disaster-hit areas and assess the damage. The areas are isolated and the rescue operation cannot be coordinated due to damaged roads and bridges and adverse weather conditions. North Sikkim is almost isolated.

Flash floods and cloudbursts affected more than 25,000 people. About 1,200 houses and 13 bridges were destroyed. Thousands of flood-affected people have been displaced. 1,173 houses were severely damaged and 2,413 people were rescued, according to the Sikkim government. 6,875 people were displaced and many sought shelter in relief camps. 44.8 crores had been sanctioned by the Centre in advance to the state.