Cloudburst unleashes deadly flash flooding in Sikkim state

At least three people have died and dozens are missing after flash flooding hit parts of India’s Sikkim state in the eastern Himalayas, according to Indian reports on Wednesday. Hindustan Times reported 23 army personnel were among 49 missing after they were washed away when the Teesta River broke its banks in Lachen Valley.

The flooding was caused by the release of water from Chungthang Dam after a sudden cloudburst over Lhonak Lake, in the north of Sikkim.  Thousands were evacuated on Tuesday night, with five relief centers established. India's National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is currently conducting search and rescue operations."