A devastating flash flood in northeastern India, triggered by the bursting of a high-altitude glacial lake, has left at least 10 people dead and 102 missing. This disaster occurred in the wake of intense rainfall, which led to the breach of the Lhonak Lake located at the base of a glacier near the world's third-highest mountain, Kangchenjunga. Violent flooding from glacier lakes, obstructed by loose rock, has become more frequent due to rising global temperatures and melting ice, posing an increasing threat to the Himalayan mountain range.
The floodwaters caused severe damage to roads and washed away 14 bridges, making rescue efforts challenging. Among the missing individuals are 22 soldiers, and one previously missing soldier has been rescued. The Indian Army is working to reestablish communication links and provide medical assistance to stranded tourists and locals.
Himalayan glaciers are rapidly melting due to climate change, resulting in unpredictable and costly disasters for local communities. The catastrophic situation in Sikkim underscores the growing frequency of such extreme events as the climate continues to warm, causing glaciers to shrink and endangering vulnerable regions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged support for those affected by the flood, while the Indian government remains vigilant along its borders with Nepal and China, particularly in areas like Sikkim, which are claimed by Beijing.
The floodwaters caused severe damage to roads and washed away 14 bridges, making rescue efforts challenging. Among the missing individuals are 22 soldiers, and one previously missing soldier has been rescued. The Indian Army is working to reestablish communication links and provide medical assistance to stranded tourists and locals.
Himalayan glaciers are rapidly melting due to climate change, resulting in unpredictable and costly disasters for local communities. The catastrophic situation in Sikkim underscores the growing frequency of such extreme events as the climate continues to warm, causing glaciers to shrink and endangering vulnerable regions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged support for those affected by the flood, while the Indian government remains vigilant along its borders with Nepal and China, particularly in areas like Sikkim, which are claimed by Beijing.
