A tragic incident occurred in North Sikkim on October 4 when heavy rain caused a sudden flood in Lhonak Lake. Sadly, at least 56 people lost their lives, including eight Army personnel. The flood caused the Teesta River to rise to dangerous levels, reaching 15 to 20 feet, due to the release of water from the Chungthang dam.
After the flood, a search and rescue operation was quickly initiated by the Indian Army and other agencies. Unfortunately, 23 Army personnel stationed in the area were swept away by the floodwaters. Additionally, 39 vehicles parked near Singtam were either submerged or carried away by the raging waters.
The search operation is still ongoing to find 142 individuals, including Army personnel, who are missing in the affected areas of Sikkim and northern parts of West Bengal. So far, eight of the 26 bodies that have been found have been identified as Indian Army soldiers.
Apart from the loss of lives, approximately 1500 tourists were stranded in the Lachung and Lachen valleys of North Sikkim. The Indian Army, along with local authorities, has been providing essential assistance to these stranded individuals, including food, medical aid, and satellite telephone connectivity.
Despite the challenging situation, it is important to note that the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Sikkim remains stable. The Indian Army formations responsible for Border Management Posture (BOP) are well-prepared and have ensured that their operational logistics are fully stocked according to their plans.
