Cloudburst In Sikkim Triggers Flash Floods, 23 Soldiers Missing

In a concerning incident, twenty-three Army personnel have gone missing in Sikkim following a cloudburst that triggered flash floods in the Teesta River. The Indian Army has launched an extensive search and rescue operation to locate the missing soldiers, according to a statement from the Army’s Eastern Command.

The statement explains that the flash floods were caused by the release of water from the Chungthang dam, resulting in a sudden and significant increase in the water level downstream. Some Army vehicles parked near Singtam in the Bardang area have been affected, with reports of vehicles submerged under slush. As a result, 23 personnel are reported missing, and search operations are currently underway to locate them.

Sikkim experienced heavy rainfall throughout the night, leading to a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim. This cloudburst caused the lake to overflow and contributed to the rising water levels in the Teesta River. The Teesta River flows through the states of Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh.

In response to the situation, the Sikkim administration has issued a high alert to residents. Local residents have shared videos depicting washed-out roads and the river flowing at a high and dangerous level.

Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries, but there has been significant damage to public property. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, during a visit to the affected area, confirmed that relief operations are underway to address the situation.

The India Meteorological Department has also issued a warning, stating that the Teesta River is swollen due to the overflow of the Chungthang dam in Sikkim. They have advised residents in low-lying areas such as Gazoldoba, Domohani, Mekhaliganj, and Ghish to remain alert.