India: At least 23 soldiers missing in a flood in the northeast of the country
New Delhi (ST): The Indian Army announced today that at least 23 soldiers have gone missing after a powerful flood caused by heavy rains swept through a valley in the northeastern state of Sikkim.
France Press Agency quoted the army as saying in a statement: “Due to sudden heavy rains over Lake Lunak in northern Sikkim, a flood occurred in the Teesta River, and 23 soldiers were reported missing,” noting that the water also submerged some vehicles.
The statement indicated that search operations for the missing soldiers are underway in the area.
This isolated mountainous region is located near India’s border with Nepal, where Lake Lunak extends at the bottom of a glacier near Mount Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.
K.Q.