A cloudburst on Wednesday triggered a flash flood in India’s northeastern state of Sikkim, leading to the disappearance of 23 Indian troops, as reported by a defense spokesperson to Reuters.
The flash flood was a consequence of heavy rainfall that struck a valley approximately 150 km (93 miles) north of Gangtok, the state capital, which is situated near India’s border with China.
The spokesperson, based in Guwahati, confirmed that certain military installations in the valley were affected, and efforts were underway to gather more information about the situation.
“Some army establishments along the valley have been affected, and efforts are on to confirm details,” stated the spokesperson based in the city of Guwahati.
Following the release of water from a dam, rising water levels led to the submergence of some vehicles, the spokesperson added.
Intermittent rain and thundershowers were hindering rescue operations in the area, according to an army official who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.
The army also reported that water released upstream from the Chungthang dam had caused the river to rise more than 4.5 meters (15 feet) higher than usual.
A video released by an Indian army spokesman depicted a powerful torrent of brown water surging through a densely forested valley, with roads washed away and power lines torn down.
Flash floods are a common occurrence during the monsoon season, which typically begins in June and withdraws from the Indian subcontinent by the end of September. By October, the heaviest monsoon rains are usually over.
However, experts note that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of such events.
Local media showed Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang holding an umbrella during heavy rainfall as he discussed the floods with officials in the town of Singtam, further downstream from where the soldiers are missing.
The monsoon season is driven by the warming of the subcontinent’s landmass during the summer, causing air to rise and draw in cooler winds from the Indian Ocean, resulting in substantial rainfall. While it brings much-needed rain, it also brings destruction each year in the form of landslides and floods.
