AsiaAsia PacificDisaster planning and responseFloodsGeneral NewsWorld News Sudden Flash Floods Result in 14 Fatalities and Over 100 Missing in India’s Northeast Region by Andrew Wright October 5, 2023 written by Andrew Wright October 5, 2023 10 comments Bookmark 77 Emergency response teams were actively engaged in locating more than 100 individuals on Thursday, following the catastrophic flash floods brought on by abrupt heavy rains that inundated various municipalities in northeastern India. These floods have resulted in a confirmed death toll of 14, according to governmental officials. The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority released a statement indicating that over 2,000 individuals were safely evacuated in the wake of the floods that transpired on Wednesday. The state government has also initiated 26 emergency relief centers to accommodate over 22,000 citizens adversely affected by the flooding event. The Press Trust of India, citing authoritative state officials, disclosed that 102 individuals remain unaccounted for, while confirming the death of 14 individuals due to the floods. Included in the list of missing persons are 22 military servicemen, as stated by governmental representatives. Reports from local media outlets indicate that one soldier, initially reported missing, was subsequently rescued. Numerous military encampments and vehicles found themselves enveloped in mud as a direct consequence of the floods. The deluge led to the destruction of eleven bridges, inflicted harm upon utility pipelines, and resulted in the damage or complete ruination of more than 270 residential structures across four administrative districts. The flooding was specifically concentrated around the Teesta River in Sikkim’s Lachen Valley and was exacerbated when sections of a dam gave way. Multiple towns within the Teesta River basin, including Dikchu and Rangpo, experienced severe flooding, prompting educational authorities to suspend academic activities in four districts until the coming Sunday. Sections of a crucial highway connecting Sikkim’s capital to the broader Indian subcontinent were also obliterated by the floodwaters. The office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi released an official statement affirming that the national government would collaborate with state officials to manage the repercussions of the flood. Meteorologists attribute the flooding to cloudbursts, which are characterized by extremely concentrated rainfall—exceeding 10 centimeters within a 10 square kilometer area within the span of an hour. Such meteorological phenomena can lead to severe flooding and landslides, impacting vast numbers of people. The Himalayan region where Sikkim is situated has already been subjected to heavy monsoon rains this season. This follows closely on the heels of flash floods and landslides in August in the neighboring state of Himachal Pradesh, which claimed nearly 50 lives. Natural calamities like landslides and floods are unfortunately commonplace in the Himalayan regions of India, especially during the monsoon season from June to September. Scientific data indicates a growing frequency of such events, exacerbated by global warming affecting glacial melting in the region. Jakob Steiner, a climate scientist associated with the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development, remarked on the event as a typical example of a “cascading hazard chain” whose impact intensifies downstream. Earlier this year, Steiner’s institution released a study suggesting that if global warming remains unchecked, up to 80% of Himalayan glaciers could be lost. In February of last year, a flash flood event resulted in nearly 200 fatalities and extensive property damage in Uttarakhand, another northern Indian state. Contributions to this report were made by Sibi Arasu, reporting from Bengaluru, India. This environmental and climate coverage is supported by multiple private foundations. The AP assumes full responsibility for all content. Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Flash floods in northeastern IndiaWhat is the current death toll due to the flash floods in northeastern India?How many people are missing following the floods?What measures have been taken by the government to provide relief?What areas were most impacted by the floods?How have the floods impacted infrastructure?What caused the flash floods?Are there any longer-term environmental concerns tied to these floods?What steps is the national government taking in response to the floods?Are schools and other educational institutions affected?Has this region experienced similar disasters recently?More about Flash floods in northeastern India Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Flash floods in northeastern India What is the current death toll due to the flash floods in northeastern India? The current confirmed death toll stands at 14 individuals, according to governmental officials. How many people are missing following the floods? As of the latest report, 102 individuals are unaccounted for, including 22 military servicemen. What measures have been taken by the government to provide relief? The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority has successfully rescued over 2,000 individuals and has set up 26 emergency relief camps to accommodate more than 22,000 affected residents. What areas were most impacted by the floods? The flooding primarily occurred along the Teesta River in Sikkim’s Lachen Valley. Several towns within the Teesta basin, including Dikchu and Rangpo, experienced severe flooding. How have the floods impacted infrastructure? Eleven bridges have been washed away, and crucial sections of a highway that connects Sikkim to the rest of India were also destroyed. More than 270 residential structures were damaged or completely ruined. What caused the flash floods? The flash floods were triggered by cloudbursts, which are sudden, heavy rains that exceed 10 centimeters within a 10 square kilometer area within an hour. Are there any longer-term environmental concerns tied to these floods? These types of natural calamities are becoming increasingly frequent in India’s Himalayan regions, exacerbated by global warming affecting glacial melt in the area. What steps is the national government taking in response to the floods? The office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has released a statement confirming that the national government will collaborate with state authorities to manage the aftermath of the flood. Are schools and other educational institutions affected? Yes, schools in four districts have been ordered to remain closed until the coming Sunday, according to the state’s education department. Has this region experienced similar disasters recently? Yes, the Himalayan region where Sikkim is located has seen heavy monsoon rains this season. Also, nearly 50 people died in flash floods and landslides in August in the neighboring state of Himachal Pradesh. More about Flash floods in northeastern India Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority Official Statement Press Trust of India Flood Report Meteorological Explanation of Cloudbursts Environmental Impact of Flash Floods in the Himalayan Region Office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Statement on Flood Relief International Center for Integrated Mountain Development Study on Himalayan Glaciers Historical Data on Flash Floods and Landslides in Himachal Pradesh Uttarakhand State Flash Floods of February 2021: A Retrospective You Might Be Interested In Russia says it thwarted attacks on Crimea bridge. Shelling and strikes leave at least 2 dead The APEC summit is happening this week in San Francisco. What is APEC, anyway? 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He enjoys analyzing market trends and economic data, and he is always on the lookout for new opportunities for investors. previous post Elite pilots prepare for ‘camping out in the sky’ as they compete in prestigious gas balloon race next post Powerball Jackpot Climbs to Estimated $1.4 Billion as No Winning Tickets are Drawn You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 10 comments Peter Brown October 5, 2023 - 8:11 am global warming is not a joke. Hope this serves as a wakeup call for people who still deny it. Reply Sarah Johnson October 5, 2023 - 8:56 am Thank you for the in-depth article. it’s really informative and I hope people are getting the help they need. Reply Karen Miller October 5, 2023 - 2:06 pm Those poor people. losing homes, schools closed. What’s being done for them? and what about the missing army soldiers? Reply Mike Davis October 5, 2023 - 2:54 pm Infrastructure must be improved, seriously. 11 bridges and a highway? This needs attention pronto. Reply Emily Williams October 5, 2023 - 5:02 pm Can’t believe how bad this is… Are there any updates on the rescue ops?? The situation sounds so dire. Reply John Smith October 5, 2023 - 5:43 pm Wow, this is devastating news. It’s so sad to hear about these flash floods, and my heart goes out to all the families affected. Reply Robert Anderson October 5, 2023 - 6:12 pm what’s causing all these floods recently? is it just the monsoons or something more? Reply Tom Lee October 6, 2023 - 4:20 am Any idea how we can help? Donations or volunteers, anything? This is just too sad to just read and move on. Reply William Harris October 6, 2023 - 5:22 am Really thorough coverage. Hopefully, the govt takes steps to prevent such disasters in future. Reply Rachel Green October 6, 2023 - 5:49 am Hats off to the emergency responders. Over 2000 people rescued is no small feat. Keep it up. Reply Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ