23 army personnel missing in Sikkim after cloud burst
Sikkim due to sudden cloud burst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim. A flash flood also occurred in the Teesta River in Lachen valley.
Some army establishments along the valley have been affected.
Release of water from the Chungthang dam led to a sudden increase in water level by up to 15-20 feet high downstream.
This has led to Army vehicles parked at Bardang near Singtam getting affected. «23 personnel have been reported missing and some vehicles are reported submerged under the slush.
Search operations are underway.»
A 'high alert' has been declared in North and East Sikkim following an alarming increase in the water level of the Teesta River.
Sonam Detchu, the Superintendent of Police (Mangan District), confirmed the high alert and emphasised its seriousness. He revealed that all police stations in low-lying areas have been placed on alert status.
Moreover, residents living along the banks of the Teesta River have been urgently advised to evacuate to higher ground to ensure their safety.
The exact cause of this abrupt surge in water levels remains unknown. However, Detchu highlighted the significant rise in the river's water levels, emphasizing the immediate need for action.
In addition to the high alert, reports have come in that the town of Chungthang in North Sikkim is now entirely cut off from the surrounding region.
