Cloudburst Triggers Flash Floods in Sikkim, 43 Missing, Including 20 Soldiers

Cloudburst Triggers Flash Floods in Sikkim, 43 Missing, Including 20 Soldiers

A cloudburst triggered flash floods in Sikkim on Wednesday, leaving 43 people missing, including 20 soldiers. The Teesta river, which flows through Sikkim and West Bengal, was in spate, and several bridges and roads were washed away.

The cloudburst occurred over Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim, causing it to overflow. The water then rushed down the Teesta river, sweeping away everything in its path.

The Indian Army has launched a massive search and rescue operation to locate the missing soldiers. Several teams have been deployed to the affected areas, and helicopters are also being used in the search.

The Sikkim government has also issued a high alert to residents and asked them to stay away from rivers and streams. Relief operations are underway in the affected areas, and food and shelter are being provided to those who have been displaced.

The cloudburst and flash floods have caused widespread damage in Sikkim. Several villages have been isolated, and many people have lost their homes and belongings.

Heavy Rains Cause Cloudburst, Teesta River Overflows

Some enterprises along the Lachen valley, according to a statement by the Army’s Eastern Command, have been impacted. “river from the Chungthang dam was released, causing a dramatic rise in river levels of up to 15-20 feet downstream. Army trucks parked at Bardang near Singtam have been impacted as a result. Some vehicles are reportedly immersed in the slush, and 23 personnel have been reported missing. Search efforts are under progress, according to the statement.

It rained heavily all night long in Sikkim. Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim overflowed due to a cloudburst, which also raised the water levels in the Teesta River. Before entering Bangladesh, the Teesta river passes through Sikkim and West Bengal.

Missing Soldiers

The 20 missing soldiers were part of a road construction crew that was working in the Lachen valley. They were reportedly swept away by the flash floods while they were crossing a bridge.

The Indian Army has said that it is doing everything possible to locate the missing soldiers. However, the search and rescue operation is being hampered by the difficult terrain and the continuing bad weather.

Relief Operations

The Sikkim government has launched a massive relief operation to help those who have been affected by the cloudburst and flash floods. Food, shelter, and medical aid are being provided to those who have been displaced.

The government has also announced financial assistance for those who have lost their homes and belongings.

The chief minister of Sikkim was guaranteed of help in a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to reports.

Climate Change

The cloudburst and flash floods in Sikkim have also raised concerns about the impact of climate change on the Himalayan region. Sikkim is a particularly vulnerable state, as it is located in a high-altitude region with a fragile ecosystem.

Climate change is expected to lead to more extreme weather events, such as cloudbursts and flash floods. This is because a warmer atmosphere can hold more water vapor, which can lead to more intense rainfall.

The Sikkim government has said that it is committed to taking steps to mitigate the effects of climate change. However, the state also needs support from the central government and the international community to address this challenge.

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Conclusion

The cloudburst and flash floods in Sikkim have caused a major humanitarian crisis. The Indian Army and the Sikkim government are doing everything they can to help those who have been affected. However, the search and rescue operation is ongoing, and it is not yet clear how many people have been killed or injured.