ammonnews.net

Ammon News - The Indian army said Wednesday that 23 soldiers were missing after a powerful flash flood caused by intense rainfall tore through a valley in the mountainous northeast Sikkim state.

Following a sudden cloud burst near Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim, there was an unexpected flash flood in the Teesta River.

The army has reported that 23 individuals are currently missing, and some vehicles are believed to be submerged in the mud. Search and rescue efforts are currently in progress.

"This remote area is located near India's border with Nepal, and Lhonak Lake is situated at the base of a glacier within the snow-covered peaks that surround Kangchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain."

"The army has mentioned that the river's water levels were already more than 4.5 meters (15 feet) higher than usual due to water released upstream from the Chungthang dam."

"Flash floods are a common occurrence during the monsoon season, which typically begins in June and retreats from the Indian subcontinent by the end of September. By October, the heaviest monsoon rains usually cease. However, experts note that climate change is leading to an increase in the frequency and severity of such incidents."