The catastrophic event occurred in the mountainous northeastern state of Sikkim, where the Lhonak Lake overflowed on Wednesday following a cloudburst, triggering torrential rains and an apparent avalanche. The resulting flash floods severely impacted the Teesta River.
This incident is being described as one of the worst disasters in the region in over 50 years and adds to a series of extreme weather events that have caused widespread damage in South Asia's Himalayan region in recent years, attributed by scientists to the impacts of climate change.
Authorities in Sikkim reported that the disaster, which struck just ahead of a popular festive and tourism season in the scenic state, has affected the lives of approximately 22,000 people. Efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage and provide assistance to those affected.
In response to the tragedy, scientists and government authorities are collaborating on the development of an early warning system for glacial floods at Lhonak Lake. A fully operational system could potentially offer more time for evacuation, providing a crucial tool in mitigating the impact of such disasters in the future.
Initially, Sikkim officials had reported a death toll of 18 on Thursday evening. However, emergency teams in the neighboring downstream state of West Bengal have since recovered an additional 22 bodies that were washed away in the floods, bringing the total death toll to 40.
As rescue and recovery efforts continue, questions are being raised about the region's vulnerability to such disasters and the need for enhanced preparedness and preventive measures to mitigate the impact of climate-induced events in the Himalayan region. (ILKHA)