Flash Floods in Sikkim, India Leave 5 Dead and 23 Indian Army Personnel Missing
Sikkim, India – In a tragic incident, at least five people have lost their lives and 23 Indian Army personnel are missing after a cloudburst triggered flash floods in the northeastern state of Sikkim. The devastating incident occurred in the Teesta River in Lachen valley, Sikkim, as a result of a sudden cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in the northern part of the state.
A cloudburst is described as a very sudden and destructive rainstorm, and this torrential downpour led to the rapid rise of water levels in the Teesta River. The Indian Army reported that the water levels rose to about 15-20 feet higher than normal, submerging 41 army vehicles under the resulting slush.
The government of Sikkim has confirmed that five bodies have been recovered so far. However, a search and rescue operation is still ongoing, and three individuals have been successfully rescued. Sadly, the fate of the missing army personnel remains uncertain.
In addition to the loss of lives, the flash floods have caused significant damage to infrastructure. At least three bridges have collapsed, severely impacting transportation in the affected areas. The government of Sikkim has taken swift action to relocate approximately 420 individuals from two districts to relief camps, providing them with necessary support and shelter.
While floods are not uncommon in Sikkim, a state located in the Himalayas, experts assert that extreme weather events like this cloudburst are becoming more frequent and intense due to the rapidly worsening climate crisis. Scientists warn that as the global climate continues to change, we can expect more extreme weather events and their devastating consequences.
The search and rescue operation continues, and authorities are putting all efforts to locate the missing army personnel. The government of Sikkim is also working on relief and rehabilitation measures to assist the affected population. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the urgent need for collective action to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect vulnerable regions from such disasters.