On October 4, 2023, the state of Sikkim in northeastern India faced a sudden and severe flash flood. This crisis originated from the Lhonak Lake, which, after receiving unprecedented rainfall, overflowed its boundaries, with water levels 15-20 feet above normal. In the aftermath, reports confirm 74 fatalities and about 100 individuals still missing.
This rain, tallying up to five times the average level, eroded vital transportation lines, leaving highways and bridges submerged. Consequently, this trapped a sizable number of tourists, approximately 3,000, and 700 taxi drivers.
The catastrophe was further magnified when a dam on the Teesta River collapsed, intensifying the flood’s severity. This incident underlined the pressing concerns regarding the resilience of the area’s infrastructure when faced with such significant climatic events.
State-level initiatives for relief were quickly rolled out. There were 26 relief camps, catering to over 22,000 displaced residents. Simultaneously, rescue operations continue, having saved 2,400 people to date. Tragically, among the affected are members of the Indian army, with a search ongoing for 22 missing personnel.
Prior warnings about the flood risks associated with the Lhonak glacial lake were highlighted in a 2019 study. This event stands as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of climate change and its potential consequences.
