At least five dead after flash flood in India
According to the army, at least five bodies have been found following a flash flood in India. 23 soldiers are still missing, with the search effort hampered by muddy ground.
Sudden heavy rainfall triggered devastating flash floods in the northeastern state of Sikkim, India. At least five civilians lost their lives, according to the Indian army. Five bodies were recovered in the Golitar and Singtam regions, reported the Press Trust of India news agency, citing administrative officer Mahendra Chettri.
23 soldiers are reported missing, with several military vehicles being washed away. Rescue efforts are ongoing.
Muddy ground complicates search for missing individuals
As stated by a spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of Defence, the muddy ground is complicating the search for the missing individuals in the state of Sikkim. Vehicles are getting stuck in the mud. The weather agency has issued warnings about landslides. Local media reported that schools in parts of the state will remain closed until the end of the week.
Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok, cut off
Army spokesperson Anjan Basumatary stated that the main road connecting Sikkim with the state of West Bengal was washed away in the heavy rain. Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok, is completely cut off. Heavy rainfall over Lhonak Lake was the main trigger for the flooding in a valley approximately 150 kilometers north of Gangtok, near the border with China. Local media reports also mentioned that the heavy rain during the night led to a significant rise in the water level of the Teesta River. Sikkim authorities advised residents not to go near the river. Around 15,000 people are estimated to live in the affected region.
The heavy rainfall is also causing disruptions in other parts of the country, with flight delays occurring as heavy rain is expected in several areas.
