In a tragic incident, 23 soldiers are missing as a powerful flash flood, triggered by intense rainfall, swept through a remote valley in the mountainous northeast Sikkim state. The Indian army confirmed the incident on Wednesday, revealing the devastation caused by the torrential thick brown water.

A video released by an army spokesperson displayed the force of the flood, washing away roads and ripping down power lines in the thickly forested valley. The flash flood occurred due to a sudden cloud burst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim, leading to a surge in the Teesta River.

“Search operations are underway,” stated the army in an official release, acknowledging the submerged vehicles and missing personnel. The affected area, near India’s border with Nepal and China, holds strategic importance with a significant military presence.

Lhonak Lake, situated at the base of a glacier in the snowy peaks surrounding Kangchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, played a central role in the disaster. The release of water upstream from the Chungthang dam elevated the river to more than 4.5 meters higher than usual, exacerbating the impact of the flood.

This incident occurs against the backdrop of heightened tensions between India and China, especially in the border region. Clashes in January 2021 left injuries on both sides in Naku La pass, connecting Sikkim with Tibet on the Chinese side. The shared frontier, extending over 3,500 kilometres, has been a perpetual source of tension, with Beijing claiming parts of Sikkim.

Flash floods are not uncommon during the monsoon season, but experts highlight the increasing frequency and severity, attributing these changes to climate change. As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on locating the missing soldiers and managing the aftermath of this natural disaster amid geopolitical complexities.