At least 56 people have died, including eight Army men, after a sudden cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim increased the water level in the River Teesta on October 4.
The release of water from the Chungthang dam further exacerbated the situation, causing the water level to rise up to 15-20 feet high downstream.
The search for at least 142 people, including Army personnel, is underway in Sikkim and the northern parts of West Bengal through which the Teesta flows.
DAMAGE TO ARMY POSITIONS
At least 23 Indian Army personnel deployed in the area were also washed away in the flash floods. In addition, 39 vehicles, parked at at Burdang near Singtam were also submerged in silt or swept away.
A search and rescue operation was immediately launched by the Indian Army and other agencies.
Out of the 26 recovered bodies, eight have been positively identified as those of Indian Army soldiers. Meanwhile, the search operation for the remaining soldiers continues.
TOURISTS STRANDED
Approximately 1500 tourists are also stranded in the areas of Lachung and Lachen valleys in North Sikkim. The army along with the local administration has been extending assistance to the stranded tourists and locals by providing food, medical aid and telephone connectivity through satellite terminals.
Special helplines have also been set up by the army and family members back home of all the stranded tourists have been informed about their wellbeing.
However, the stiuation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Sikkim remains stable.
The Indian Army formations, responsible for Border Management Postur (BOP) are maintaining a high state of readiness and are optimally stocked as per the sustainable operational logistics plan.