Heavy rain has hindered the search for 23 Indian troops who were reported missing after a flash flood in northeastern Sikkim state. The capital city of Gangtok has been cut off by road due to the heavy rainfall. A spokesperson for the defense ministry confirmed that 23 personnel are missing and some vehicles have been submerged under the slush. Search operations are currently underway in an attempt to locate the missing troops.
The weather department in India has warned of landslides and flight disruption as heavy rain is predicted in certain parts of Sikkim. The main highway that connects Sikkim to West Bengal state has been snapped, completely isolating Gangtok by road. An army spokesperson, Anjan Basumatary, revealed that the flooding was triggered by a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake, which is located approximately 150 km north of Gangtok near the border with China.
Around 15,000 people living in the area are expected to be affected by the flooding. At least 8 major bridges along the banks of the Teesta river have been washed away. V S Pathak, the chief secretary of the state, informed Reuters about the extent of the damage. Images shown in the media depict the powerful river surging through the hills and inundating human habitations.
The flooding has also impacted some army bases and facilities in the valley. As water was released from a dam, rising water levels have submerged vehicles. A defense ministry spokesperson, based in the neighboring city of Guwahati, provided this information.