Sikkim: 23 soldiers missing as cloudburst triggers flash flood
What's the story
As many as 23 Indian Army personnel went missing in Sikkim on Wednesday after a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake triggered a flash flood in the Teesta River in Lachen Valley. Around 41 vehicles parked at Bardang near Singtam were washed away after water was released from the Chungthang dam, resulting in a sudden spike in the water level downstream by 15-20 feet.
Twitter Post
Search operations are underway
23 army personnel have been reported missing due to a flash flood that occurred in Teesta River in Lachen Valley after a sudden cloud burst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim: Defence PRO, Guwahati https://t.co/zDabUMrCaI pic.twitter.com/uWVO1nsT2T
— ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2023
IMD
No casualty but public property damaged: CM Tamang
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued an alert saying, "Low-lying areas such as Gazoldoba, Domohani, Mekhaliganj and Ghish may be affected." Sikkim's Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang visited Singtam to assess the situation. He said, "Nobody has been injured but there has been significant damage to public property. Some people have also been reported missing in Singtam. Relief operations are on."
Details
Potion of NH10, vital bridges washed away
The Teesta River reportedly crossed the danger level at several places, and a portion of National Highway 10 near Melli town has been washed away, apart from several vital bridges. The Teesta River flows through Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh. The Indreni bridge on the Teesta River, a 120-meter cable suspension bridge, at Singtam was completely washed away.
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Melli is located on Sikkim-West Bengal border
National Highway 10 washed away at Melli#Teesta #Sikkim #DamBurst pic.twitter.com/WoYHinlVLS
— The Darjeeling Chronicle (@TheDarjChron) October 4, 2023
Rescue
Intermittent rain hampering rescue operations
The Sikkim government has issued a high alert for residents. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) is also involved in the rescue operation, in which 80 locals have been evacuated so far. Intermittent showers and thunderstorms were hampering the rescue operation, Reuters reported. Lachen Valley is located along the India-China border around 150km north of Gangtok, Sikkim's capital.
Rescue
4 dead bodies recovered
Four dead bodies have been recovered so far. As per India Today NE, seven people were reported missing in Baghey Khola, three people in Majitar, and one person was reported missing in the NHPC Teesta site area. Additionally, two laborers were reported missing in Mamring. Residents in the low-lying areas, including Melli, have been advised to relocate to safer areas.