Cloudburst-Induced Flash Flood in Sikkim Leaves 23 Army Personnel Unaccounted For

Cloudburst-Induced Flash Flood in Sikkim Leaves 23 Army Personnel Unaccounted For

Asif Iqbal | October 4, 2023 | 10:07 AM IST | Breaking News, Sikkim | Follow on Google News

Cloudburst-Induced Flash Flood in Sikkim Leaves 23 Army Personnel Unaccounted For

Search Operation Underway as Teesta River Swells

In a devastating turn of events, at least 23 Army personnel have gone missing in Sikkim’s Lachen Valley as a result of a sudden flash flood in the Teesta River. This incident, triggered by a possible glacial lake outburst, has also led to the submersion of several Army vehicles. As the water level surged to 15-20 feet downstream, it swept away numerous buildings and structures in North Sikkim’s Chungthang area. Additionally, a portion of NH-10, a vital connection between Sikkim and West Bengal, was washed away by the flash flood.

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Flash Flood Alert in Sikkim After Cloudburst

The calamity was preceded by a cloudburst in Singtam, prompting authorities to issue a flash flood alert across Sikkim. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang promptly assessed the flood-like situation that unfolded in the region.

Understanding Cloudburst and Flash Floods

A cloudburst is an abrupt and intense rainfall event, typically confined to a small geographical area. When a region receives more than 100 mm of rainfall within an hour, it is classified as a cloudburst. Flash floods, on the other hand, occur suddenly and inundate a limited area due to various factors, such as heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, dam breaches, and more.

The Menace of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) is a catastrophic event that transpires when a dam containing a glacial lake breaches. In Sikkim’s recent predicament, the GLOF took place in Lhonak Lake, resulting in a significant influx of water into the Teesta River. This influx, combined with the already heavy rainfall, has exacerbated the flooding situation in the state. Sikkim remains under a red alert due to the ongoing heavy rainfall, indicating that the flood situation may deteriorate further.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.