Death toll at 14 in Indian glacial lake outburst flooding, 102 missing

By Anadolu Staff

​ANKARA (AA) – The death toll from flash floods that swept through India's northeastern Sikkim state increased to 14, as a search operation to find more than 100 people who are missing continued for a second consecutive day Thursday.

Sikkim’s disaster management authorities said 102 are missing with 26 injured and more than 2,000 evacuated.

India's National Disaster Management Authority said Wednesday that there was a sudden surge in water from the Teesta River, which damaged infrastructure projects including the Chungthang Dam in the upper reaches of the river valley.

"While scientists are investigating the exact cause of the flash flood, the primary reason for the sudden surge appears to be a likely combination of excess rainfall and a GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) event at South Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim," it said.

The Indian government has said assets of the army and air force are being deployed to assist the state in its rescue and restoration efforts.

Sikkim’s Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang wrote on X that a high-level meeting was convened to assess the situation and evaluate the extent of damages.

“I have issued instructions to all pertinent officials, departments, District Magistrates, and Superintendents of Police to maintain a state of heightened vigilance and attend to the requirements of the affected public with utmost diligence,” he wrote.

A Defense Ministry spokesman said Thursday that search and rescue operations by the army for 22 missing soldiers are ongoing after one was rescued late Wednesday.

“Continued efforts are on to dig out the vehicles submerged under the slush at Burdang near Singtam. The search for the missing persons is now focusing on the areas downstream of Teesta River. Out of the initial 23 missing persons, one person was recovered alive on 4 Oct evening,” Lieut. Col. Mahendra Rawat said in a statement.