Sikkim hit by flash floods following cloudburst incident. Photos inside

Sikkim experienced overnight heavy rainfall, resulting in the overflow of Lhonak Lake due to a cloudburst in North Sikkim. This surge in water levels has affected the Teesta River, which flows across Sikkim, West Bengal, and into Bangladesh.

The flooding commenced at approximately 1:30 am when the Chungthang dam released water, causing an abrupt surge in downstream water levels, reaching heights of 15-20 feet. Businesses and establishments along the valley have been impacted.

Twenty-three army personnel are currently unaccounted for, with 41 vehicles submerged in the slush.

Ongoing search and rescue operations are in progress. According to reports, 80 local residents have been successfully evacuated.

Early on Wednesday, the Teesta River waters completely washed away the 120-meter cable suspension bridge known as the Indreni Bridge, located at Singtam in Gangtok district. This steel bridge was a crucial transportation route spanning the Teesta River.

The Sikkim administration has issued a heightened alert to residents as videos recorded and shared by locals depict roads being washed away and the river surging.

The India Meteorological Department has reported that the swelling of the Teesta River is a result of the overflow from the lake in Chungthang, Sikkim. The weather office has issued a warning, stating that low-lying areas such as Gazoldoba, Domohani, Mekhaliganj, and Ghish may experience impacts. Residents are advised to remain vigilant.