Sikkim Flash Flood Triggers Massive Search and Rescue Effort; Operational Stability Maintained Along the LAC
Sikkim, India – On the night of October 3-4, 2023, a catastrophic glacial lake outburst near Zaroli Village, Gujarat, caused devastating flash floods in the northeastern state of Sikkim. The Teesta River swelled by approximately 50-60 feet, resulting in widespread destruction of infrastructure, property, and loss of human lives. According to the State Government’s estimates, 142 individuals are currently missing, with 26 bodies recovered as of now. Accurate damage assessments have been hampered by the adverse weather conditions and continuous rainfall.
The Indian Army, which was deployed in the affected area, also faced significant challenges as some of its camps along the Teesta River were damaged or washed away. A vehicle parking area at Burdang, near Singtam, was severely affected by the flash flood, submerging 23 soldiers and 39 vehicles. The site saw silt and mud deposits measuring up to 30-40 feet high, with most vehicles buried beneath. In response, a massive Search and Rescue operation was immediately launched, involving the Indian Army, Border Roads Organization (BRO), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Relief Teams, Para Military Forces, Police, Civil Administration, and local residents from Sikkim and North Bengal.
On the evening of October 4th, one soldier was rescued by villagers approximately 18 kilometers downstream of Burdang and is currently in stable condition under medical care. A total of 26 bodies have been recovered from various locations along the river in North Bengal, with four bodies handed over by the Bangladesh Border Forces. Of the 26 recovered bodies, eight have been positively identified as Indian Army soldiers. The last rites for Naik Bimal Oraon, from Alipurduar, were conducted on October 6th, 2023, with full military honors. The remains of four soldiers will be transported to their respective hometowns on October 7th for last rites in the presence of family members.
Post-mortem examinations for two mortal remains are ongoing, while the search operation for the remaining 14 soldiers continues. Heavy machinery, including dozers and plant equipment, is being used to excavate the Burdang incident site. Since October 6th, 2023, radars (Leo Life Detector Radar, REECO Radar) and Army Dogs have been deployed in the search efforts. Out of the 39 missing vehicles, 15 have been recovered. Additionally, reports indicate that some ammunition, explosives, and Indian Army stores from various camps have been swept away and found along the downstream river banks. Indian Army has issued advisories through civil administration and deployed lookout teams, alongside State Police, to report any sightings of such items. Ammunition experts are working to safely destroy the explosives recovered.
National Highway 10 (NH 10), a lifeline for Sikkim, has been rendered unusable due to road surface damage and bridge destructions across the Teesta River. Work is ongoing to open and widen the road stretch from Rangpo to Singtam.
Alternative routes to Gangtok are available via East Sikkim, and routes to West and South Sikkim remain accessible. However, in North Sikkim, roads beyond Mangan are currently cut off. Lt Gen RP Kalita, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, along with Lt Gen VPS Kaushik, GOC Trishakti Corps, conducted an aerial survey on October 6th, 2023, to assess the damage extent and plan relief efforts. The Director General of the Border Roads Organization (BRO), along with Indian Army Engineers, NHIDCL, and State Government officials, is evaluating the damage and conducting surveys to restore road connectivity. Efforts are also underway to connect Chungthang with a footbridge. Indian Army and Indian Air Force helicopters are undertaking emergency supply and evacuation missions, though inclement weather and incessant rains have posed challenges.
Approximately 1500 tourists are estimated to be stranded in Lachung and Lachen valleys in North Sikkim. The Indian Army, alongside local administration, has been providing assistance to these stranded individuals by offering food, medical aid, and satellite terminal-based telephone connectivity. Teams have collected data on all tourists staying in various hotels, with some accommodated in Army camps. Special helplines have been set up at Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps HQ, and family members of stranded tourists have been informed about their well-being.
While the hinterland of Sikkim has been severely affected by the flash floods, the operational situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Sikkim remains stable. Formations responsible for the Border Management Posture are maintaining a high state of readiness and are adequately stocked as per the sustainable operational logistics plan. The Indian Army, along with all relevant agencies and Civil Administration, continues relentless Search and Rescue operations while focusing on restoring communication and other infrastructure in a well-coordinated manner.
