Sikkim: 23 army personnel missing after flash flood, NDRF teams join rescue

At least 23 army soldiers are missing after a flash flood due to a cloud burst in north Sikkim.

The cloud burst happened over Lhonak Lake and the flash flood is believed to have started at 1:30 a.m. on October 4.

A statement from the Defence PRO, Guwahati read: “Some army establishments along the valley have been affected and efforts are on to confirm details. 23 personnel have been reported missing and some vehicles are reported submerged under the slush. Search operations are underway.”

Officials said that the release of water from the Chungthang dam on the Teesta River led to a sudden increase in water levels up to 15-20 feet high downstream. This led to army vehicles parked at Bardang near Singtam getting affected.

Four NDRF teams have been deployed for search and rescue operation.