23 Indian soldiers went missing in a flash flood in Sikkim. The army said this in a statement on Wednesday. A large-scale rescue operation has already started to rescue them.
According to the report of the Indian media NDTV, the sudden flood was caused due to the increase in the water level of the Teesta river. The release of water from the Chungthang dam in the Lachen valley caused a 15-20 feet high flood, washing away an army vehicle in Bardang.
According to the Eastern Command of the army, the operation to rescue the missing soldiers has already started.
Sikkim received heavy rain overnight on Tuesday. First, the Lohank Lake filled up and submerged several roads. After that the water of Teesta river also increased.
The Sikkim administration has warned the local residents. In videos recorded by locals, many roads were submerged in water.
However, no casualty or major damage has been reported yet. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said some people are missing in Singtam. Relief operations are underway.
The India Meteorological Department said that due to the increase in the water level of the Sikkim lake, the Teesta water level has increased. Low-lying areas are more affected.
