Sikkim, India – In a tragic incident, five individuals have lost their lives and 23 Indian Army personnel are currently missing following a devastating cloudburst that triggered flash floods in Sikkim. The incident occurred in the picturesque Lachen valley, along the Teesta River, where heavy rains unleashed a sudden and destructive cloudburst.
As a result of this natural calamity, the water levels in the Teesta River surged rapidly, surpassing their normal limits by an alarming 15-20 feet. This unprecedented rise in water levels led to 41 army vehicles being submerged in slush, hampering rescue efforts. Nonetheless, despite the challenging circumstances, search and rescue teams have successfully extricated three individuals, with hopes of finding more survivors.
The extent of the disaster extends beyond human casualties, with three bridges collapsing under the immense force of the floodwaters. This has led to the disruption of critical transportation routes, further complicating the ongoing rescue operations. In response to this crisis, approximately 420 individuals have been relocated to relief camps across two districts, to ensure their safety and well-being.
While Sikkim has experienced flooding in the past, experts now argue that climate change is exacerbating extreme weather events, making them both more frequent and intense. As the world grapples with the consequences of global warming, scientists warn that regions like Sikkim, nestled in the Himalayas, are particularly vulnerable to such disasters.
The situation in Sikkim remains critical, and rescue efforts continue to be the primary focus. As the search for the missing army personnel intensifies, authorities are also working tirelessly to provide essential aid and support to those affected. Swerd Media stands in solidarity with the people of Sikkim during this challenging time, emphasizing the pressing need for climate action to prevent further tragedies of this nature.
