Flash floods in Sikkim leave 23 Indian troops missing

At least 23 Indian army personnel are missing in the northeastern state of Sikkim following a cloud burst that caused flash floods, according to officials. The cloud burst took place upstream of a lake in the north of the state, leading to a rapid rise in water levels in the Teesta River in Lachen Valley. The situation exacerbated after additional water was released from a nearby dam into the river. Authorities reported that some army vehicles were submerged in the sludge. A search and rescue operation has been initiated, and the Indian defense ministry stated that they are awaiting further information. Rescue efforts are also underway in other parts of the state, where homes have been damaged, and people have been displaced due to flooding. In response, authorities have begun evacuating individuals from low-lying areas. The floods have severely impacted transportation services, as two bridges connecting the northern region with the rest of the state have been washed away. Sikkim, being a Himalayan state, is susceptible to floods and natural disasters. Notably, last year severe flooding in the region resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of people and claimed the lives of at least 24 individuals.