A tragic incident unfolded in the Indian Himalayas this week, claiming the lives of at least 42 people and leaving nearly 150 individuals missing. The disaster was triggered by a glacial lake breach near Lhonak Lake in the mountainous northeastern state of Sikkim, following a cloudburst and torrential rains, possibly exacerbated by an avalanche. This catastrophe led to significant flooding in the Teesta river, marking one of the most devastating events in the region in over five decades. Scientists attribute such extreme weather events to climate change, which has been causing widespread damage in South Asia’s Himalayan region.
The disaster’s impact has been far-reaching, affecting the lives of approximately 22,000 people in Sikkim, where residents were forced to evacuate amid rising river levels. Javed Ahmed Ansari, a local resident and river rafting business owner, recounted the terrifying ordeal: “We ran towards the hill in the jungle… We saw houses getting swept away. I can now only see the first floor of our house which is filled with sand, everything is submerged.”
Efforts are underway to establish an early warning system for glacial floods at Lhonak Lake, which could provide crucial time for evacuations when fully operational.
Sikkim’s chief secretary Vijay Bhushan Pathak reported that rescuers have recovered 20 bodies in Sikkim and 22 in the neighboring state of West Bengal, including six Indian military personnel who were washed away from Sikkim. The search for missing individuals, including 15 army personnel, continues as weather conditions improve.
Military helicopters have attempted rescue operations for stranded tourists in the higher regions of Sikkim, but bad weather has thwarted their efforts. Bandana Chettri, a top official in the state tourism department, assured that all tourists, including over 50 foreigners, are safe.
The disaster has caused extensive damage, cutting off areas in north Sikkim, evacuating approximately 2,400 people, and housing 7,600 in relief camps. Furthermore, 15 bridges in the state have been washed away, hampering rescue operations. Downstream of the NHPC (NHPC.NS) hydropower station Teesta-V, all bridges have either submerged or washed away, according to the Indian government.
Heartbreaking reports reveal that military equipment, including firearms and explosives, was swept away in the Teesta river. In a neighboring district of West Bengal, a mortar shell picked up by locals later exploded, resulting in the tragic death of a child and injuries to six others.
Sikkim experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall, with 101 mm (four inches) of rain in the first five days of October, more than double the normal levels. This led to floods even worse than the devastating October 1968 event, which claimed an estimated 1,000 lives. While heavy rain is still forecasted in parts of the region, the India Meteorological Department anticipates a gradual easing of shower intensity.
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Source: Reuters
