The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a red alert for Sikkim and an orange alert for Assam and Meghalaya over the next 48 hours, citing an imminent flood threat posed by the swollen Teesta River.
The flash floods originated from the lake that coursed through the river Teesta on Wednesday, causing widespread damage downstream, destroying the 1,200 MW Teesta Urja dam, and leaving at least 14 dead and over 120 people missing.
Locals also fear that if the walls were to be breached, the devastation downhill across the villages of Challamthang, Pacheykhani, and Rorathang connecting Sikkim alternatively with West Bengal through Kalimpong Hills could also get cut off.
Altogether, 23 soldiers of Indian Army had gone missing due to the flash floods. With the rescue of one soldier, the operation to locate and rescue other 22 soldiers is underway.
