 "sikkim flash flood")
A sudden cloud burst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim resulting in a flash flood in the Teesta River in Lachen Valley on Wednesday. The situation was exacerbated by the release of water from the Chungthang dam, leading to 23 army personnel being washed away. Three people have been killed due to the flood.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has allotted three teams for rescue and relief operations. They have deployed one team at Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, and two teams in the adjoining state of West Bengal for the task.
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The force has so far rescued seven people. The NDRF teams are carrying ropes, ladders and other necessary equipment.
The floods began around 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
Defence officials indicated that establishments along the valley have been affected, and efforts are underway to confirm the details. The discharge of water from the Chungthang dam led to a sudden surge in water levels, rising up to 15-20 feet high downstream.
This surge affected army vehicles parked at Bardang near Singtam, the officials noted.
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Twenty-three army personnel have been reported missing, and 41 vehicles are submerged under slush. Search operations are ongoing.
In addition, the Singtam foot-over bridge has collapsed. The state government has issued a red alert and advised people to stay away from the river.
The Jalpaiguri administration in West Bengal has commenced evacuating people from the lower catchment area. The full extent of the damage remains to be ascertained.
(With agency inputs)
