Assam Flash Floods : A tragic cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim has resulted in 10 confirmed fatalities and over 80 people missing, including 22 Army personnel.

The disaster occurred when heavy rainfall triggered flash floods, causing a significant loss of life and property. Reports indicate that 14 bridges have collapsed, and the region is grappling with the plight of more than 3,000 stranded tourists.

The calamity unfolded during the early hours of Wednesday when a cloudburst unleashed a torrent of water, leading to the breach of a dam in Chungthang, which happens to be the largest hydropower project in the state. This breach compounded the flood’s impact downstream, prompting the Sikkim government to officially declare it a disaster under the Disaster Management Act.

In a devastating update, the Army reported that 23 soldiers were initially missing during the flash floods. However, there is a glimmer of hope as one soldier has been rescued and is currently in stable condition.

An official from the Assam government revealed that, so far, 10 lives have been tragically lost, while more than 82 individuals remain unaccounted for in the affected region.

The damage extends to critical infrastructure, with a total of 14 bridges sustaining significant damage and collapse. Nine of these bridges fall under the jurisdiction of the Border Roads Organisation, while the remaining five are the responsibility of the State government. Concerns are mounting for the safety and well-being of over 3,000 tourists who may be trapped or unable to leave the affected areas.

Additionally, approximately 14 workers employed at the Teesta Stage 3 dam in Chungthang, where sections of the dam were washed away, find themselves trapped within the tunnels, awaiting rescue and relief efforts.

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