On October 4, 2023, the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim experienced significant flash floods after a heavy downpour led to the overflowing of the Lhonak Lake. This catastrophic event culminated in the deaths of at least 40 individuals, leaving approximately 100 missing.
The overflowing of Lhonak Lake, located in the state’s highlands, was precipitated by rainfall quantities amounting to five times its usual level. This deluge washed away vital infrastructure, such as highways and bridges, rendering over 3,000 tourists and 700 taxi drivers stranded.
Making matters more precarious, a dam on the Teesta River was destroyed, further worsening the flooding. This dam’s destruction emphasized the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure to such climatic events.
State authorities promptly initiated response measures, establishing 26 relief camps. These camps now provide shelter to over 22,000 displaced residents of Sikkim. Furthermore, rescue operations are in full swing, with over 2,400 individuals successfully rescued so far. However, the devastation did not spare everyone equally. Among those affected are Indian soldiers, with one having been rescued and 22 still missing.
The recent flooding incident casts a spotlight on prior warnings concerning the region’s glacial lakes. Lhonak Glacier Lake had previously been identified as a flood risk in a 2019 report. This incident underscores the pressing need for proactive measures to counter the looming threats posed by climate change and its unpredictable repercussions.
