GUWAHATI: A sudden flash flood in Sikkim's Lachen Valley on Wednesday morning has left at least 23 Army personnel missing, media reports stated.
The flood, triggered by a possible glacial lake outburst, resulted in submerging of some Army vehicles, according to defence sources. A search operation is now underway to locate the missing individuals.
The incident occurred when Army vehicles were stationed at Bardang near Singtam, when the flash flood rapidly engulfed the area. The water levels downstream surged to heights of 15-20 feet, leading to the destruction of several buildings and structures in North Sikkim's Chungthang region.
Additionally, a section of NH-10 in Melli, connecting Sikkim with West Bengal, was washed away by the force of the flash flood.
The flash flood is believed to have been caused by a sudden cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim which coincided with the release of water from the Chungthang dam.
Authorities had issued a flash flood alert in Sikkim following the cloudburst in Singtam. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has taken note of the flood-like situation and is actively monitoring the developments.
Additionally, as per the latest CWC report throughout midnight of October 4, a cloud outburst in the portions of Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim caused the rise of water levels with very high velocities near about 15m/sec, crossed CWC Melli FF site measuring 227m near about 3 meter above the danger level at 06:00 AM.
Simultaneous Flood Forecasts for both India and Bangladesh were made at 06:00 hrs for 14:00 hrs. The river Teesta is flowing below Warning Level at CWC Domohani FF Station.
The water level at 06:00 hrs is 84.83 meter and is expected to cross its Warning Level within 6 hours.