A devastating flash flood, triggered by a high-altitude glacial lake burst, has resulted in significant destruction in North Sikkim. As of now, the calamity has claimed the lives of at least 56 individuals, with efforts underway to locate approximately 142 people, including Army personnel, in Sikkim and the northern regions of West Bengal, according to officials.
The flash flood has left a trail of devastation, causing extensive damage to buildings, roads, bridges, and homes. The situation in Chungthang, one of the worst-hit areas, was captured in recent visuals, showcasing the aftermath of the Sikkim disaster. The flash flood occurred when a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake triggered a lake burst, releasing a massive volume of water downstream.
The flooding also inflicted severe damage to the Chungthang Dam, exacerbating the crisis. The catastrophe resulted in the destruction of buildings, including the Chungthang police station, and the sweeping away of vehicles.
The flash flood, which was initiated by the cloudburst in the early hours of Wednesday, caused extensive devastation in Sikkim. It has affected more than 25,000 individuals, caused damage to over 1,200 houses, and washed away 13 bridges, roads, and various other structures.
As of Saturday, the death toll from this catastrophic flash flood has reached 56. A total of 26 bodies have been recovered from Sikkim, while 30 others have been found in the basin of the Teesta River in West Bengal. Meanwhile, rescue operations have led to the retrieval of 2,413 individuals from various areas, and 6,875 people are currently seeking refuge in 22 relief camps established throughout the state.
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