23 missing jawans, approximately 41 Army vehicles have been submerged under the slush. Rescue operations are currently underway to locate and save those missing.
Image Source: X @Hardisohi
In a tragic incident, a flash flood triggered by a cloud burst in North Sikkim has resulted in the disappearance of at least 23 Army officers. The calamity occurred when a sudden cloudburst occurred over Lhonak Lake, causing a flash flood in the Teesta River in Lachen valley. The impact of the flood has also affected some Army establishments in the valley, and authorities are currently working to gather more information about the extent of the damage. The incident is believed to have taken place at approximately 1:30 am.
Sikkim Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, has personally assessed the situation following the flash flood in Singtam. Sources indicate that the sudden release of water from the Chungthang dam has caused the water level to rise significantly, reaching heights of 15-20 feet downstream. Consequently, Army vehicles parked near Singtam, specifically in Bardang, have been severely impacted. Alongside the 23 missing jawans, approximately 41 Army vehicles have been submerged under the slush. Rescue operations are currently underway to locate and save those missing.
However, the Army is facing operational challenges due to the low internet connectivity in the area. Command-level officers are struggling to establish communication with the ground personnel, hindering the rescue efforts. Despite these obstacles, authorities are making every effort to rescue the missing officers and provide assistance in this dire situation.