Teesta River flood affected population

Greetings.

My name is Minket Lepcha. I am from Darjeeling, West Bengal. As an Indigenous Lepcha storyteller and filmmaker from the region, River Teesta has been a guiding force for me to connect with water and with the stories surrounding the region. I have been engaged with documenting stories and folklore from Darjeeling and Sikkim for years. I have directed a film, Voices of Teesta which allowed me to trace the river and various connections that the communities residing around the river have with River Teesta. Having always been inspired by Lepcha folklore and believing that the ecological wisdom are hidden in these stories, I have designed workshop which inspire, influence and educate young minds to connect with river and mountains in any region that we come from.

The devastating flash flood on the Teesta River on October 4th, 2023, has deeply impacted the lives of countless individuals, leaving many communities in ruins in the Sikkim and Darjeeling areas. Although the government and various organizations are tirelessly working to provide relief, the magnitude of the disaster calls for collective action.

The flood outburst in Sikkim's Teesta River in October 2023 impacted not just the livelihood but also lives and infrastructure affecting both upstream and downstream region. The flash flood of River Teesta on October 4th, 2023 was a force of nature that uprooted the lives and beliefs of many people living alongside the River Teesta. Sikkim received more than double its normal rainfall causing the Lhonak Lake to swell and burst. Despite the warnings from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, the flood quickly destroyed the 1200 megawatt hydropower dam at Chungthang, North Sikkim. Water levels then subsequently rose by 15 to 20 feet, taking with it many lives and properties downstream.

Along with the immense loss of human lives, flora and fauna, people have been displaced from their homes and many are still in search of their loved ones. According to reports, 33 bodies were recovered from the slush and debris of the flash flood, including 9 Army personnel. The flash flood not only swept away lives but also houses and disrupted Sikkim's main highway NH10, causing damage to the road surface and around 14 bridges across the river Teesta.

We call out to you to extend your support to our fellow citizens affected by this calamity. Donating just five dollars will go a long way! Every rupee counts!

All the proceeds from the fundraising will go towards providing mental health counseling to the communities that have been impacted as it is often a very neglected area of focus with all the noise and chaos. With your support, we hope to help the affected people to navigate into building a new future which they can hold onto.

The Teesta River flows in Sikkim and Darjeeling area. It is a transboundary river flowing to Bangladesh and eventually to Bay of Bengal. The river connects the upstream and downstream communities providing livelihood and affecting the geo-political relation between the two countries. Let's come together in this dire time and make a difference. Thank you for your compassion and generosity!

To learn more visit the Instagram page @riverandstories through which has been created to spread awareness around the transboundary aspect of the river and the impacts that we have as a community.

In the midst of rebuilding ourselves, the award winning film "Voices of Teesta " offered a reflective lens towards the significance of River Teesta through film screening in 22 regions across the world. It traces the faint and unheard voices of the local people. The free film screening taking place across the continent is a voluntary attempt by various communities to initiate conversations and engagement of people from all walks of life to come and talk about their waters and rivers. Through a series of panel discussions the screening session allowed us to reflect on our relationship with our Rivers and Waters, especially after the disaster. The film screening provided a platform to Fundraise for the mental health counseling of those who have lost their homes and loved ones in a flash of a second.

Please also watch the film, Voices of Teesta:

*All photos were taken by John Lepcha.