October 5, 2023: In a tragic turn of events, ice-cold floodwaters wreaked havoc on mountain towns in India's Himalayan northeast, claiming the lives of at least 31 people, displacing thousands, and leaving a trail of destruction. The catastrophe unfolded as a glacial lake overflowed, breaching Sikkim State's largest hydroelectric dam and unleashing a torrent that swept through the valley below.
The incident, occurring after midnight on Wednesday, marks the latest in a series of deadly floods to hit northeast India during a year of unusually heavy monsoon rains. With nearly 50 lives lost in August in nearby Himachal Pradesh state and over 100 casualties in northern India due to record rains in July, the region is grappling with the devastating impact of extreme weather events.
The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority reported the successful rescue of over 2,000 people, but the search continues for nearly 100 missing individuals, including 22 soldiers. Rescue operations are underway, with the state setting up 26 relief camps to aid more than 22,000 affected by the floods.
Vinay Bhushan Pathak, the state's top bureaucrat, revealed that 26 people sustained injuries, while nearly 3,000 tourists and 700 taxi drivers were stranded in flood-hit areas. Urgent evacuation efforts, supported by army and air force helicopters, are underway to ensure the safety of those marooned.
The South Llonak Lake, impacted by a warming climate melting glaciers, has witnessed rising water levels, exerting pressure on the dam. The breach on Wednesday's tragic event is attributed to sudden, intense rains in the area, coupled with a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in nearby Nepal on Tuesday afternoon.
The aftermath includes the destruction of 11 bridges in the Lachan Valley, damage to pipelines, and the loss or damage of over 270 houses in four districts. Dikchu and Rangpo, among other towns, are flooded, leading to the closure of schools in four districts until Sunday. Sections of the highway connecting Sikkim to the rest of the country have been washed away.
Images released by the Indian military depict several army camps submerged in mud, burying vehicles. The Press Trust of India reports the discovery of four soldiers' bodies in neighboring West Bengal state, raising concerns about the fate of the 22 missing soldiers.
As the nation grapples with this tragedy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expresses his prayers for the safety and well-being of all affected by this unfortunate natural calamity. The government is mobilizing resources for relief and recovery efforts, emphasizing the need for national solidarity in the face of this crisis.
References
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/flash-floods-kill-14-northeastern-india-leave-100-103744533
https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2023/10/05/india-flash-flood-kills-at-least-a-dozen-over-100-missing-in-latest-global-incident-photos
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