23 Army personnel missing after flash floods in Sikkim

Army vehicles parked at Bardang near Singtam got affected as officials said 41 vehicles submerged under the water.

Following a cloudburst that triggered flash floods in Teesta river in Sikkim, twenty-three Army personnel are reported missing. In response, a large-scale search and rescue operation has been initiated by the Army to locate and ensure the safety of the missing soldiers, officials said.

The floods started around 1.30 am, they said.

See Pics | Flash floods in North Sikkim leave 23 army personnel missing, searches underway

Defence officials said establishments along the valley have been affected and efforts are on to confirm details. The release of water from the Chungthang dam led to a sudden increase in water levels up to 15-20 feet high downstream.

This has led to army vehicles parked at Bardang near Singtam getting affected.

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Twenty-three army personnel have been reported missing and 41 vehicles submerged under the slush.

Search operations are underway, officials added.

With PTI inputs