Desperate efforts underway to rescue 102 individuals missing in devastating floods of Sikkim, India

Massive floods in the Indian state of Sikkim have caused chaos and left 102 people missing, including 22 army personnel. The floods were triggered by a cloudburst over a lake, resulting in the deaths of 14 people. Additionally, over 3,000 tourists are stranded in various parts of the state. Search and rescue operations are underway, with hundreds of officers deployed across the affected areas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured the Chief Minister of Sikkim of full support. The floods were exacerbated by the breach of the Lhonak lake's embankment, leading to a significant rise in water levels in the Teesta river. Water released from a nearby dam further worsened the flood situation. A rescue operation is underway to locate and save those missing, and one soldier has already been rescued. However, bodies, including that of a child, have been recovered from the flood plains. The floods have caused extensive damage to infrastructure, and mobile networks in the northern parts of the state are disrupted. Helplines have been set up for families of the missing, and neighboring areas in West Bengal have also been affected by the floodwaters. Sikkim frequently experiences floods and other natural disasters due to its location in the Himalayas.