In the aftermath of a cloudburst in North Sikkim, which led to flash floods and a sudden surge in the water level of the Teesta River, at least eight individuals have tragically lost their lives. Furthermore, 49 people, including 23 army personnel, have gone missing as a result of this calamity.
The latest reports indicate that one of the 23 missing army personnel has been successfully rescued, according to officials' statements on Wednesday. This soldier's condition is currently stable, and they are undergoing necessary medical care and attention.
To address the crisis and locate the missing soldiers, a comprehensive search and rescue operation has been initiated by the troops of the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army. The family members of the missing army personnel have been contacted and informed about the situation. It is reassuring to note that all other soldiers stationed in Sikkim and North Bengal are safe at this time, despite the challenging circumstances.
However, it's important to acknowledge that the soldiers posted in the areas affected by the flash floods are currently facing difficulties in communicating with their family members due to disruptions in mobile communication services.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed his concern and offered prayers for the well-being of the missing army personnel. He described the Glacial Lake Burst at Lonak, Sikkim as a deeply heart-wrenching incident and highlighted the ongoing relief and rescue operations in the midst of extremely adverse weather conditions.
As of now, a total of 45 individuals have been successfully rescued, including 18 who sustained injuries during the flash floods. Several towns situated in the Teesta basin, such as Dikchu, Singtam, and Rangpo, have also experienced flooding as a result of the sudden increase in the river's water level.
Officials have reported that sections of National Highway-10, which serves as the primary link between Sikkim and the rest of the country, have been eroded due to the flooding. Additionally, a flood warning has been issued for North Bengal and Bangladesh, through which the Teesta River flows. Among the casualties, three bodies were discovered in North Bengal, while the remaining five were found in the Golitar and Singtam regions.
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