Scores feared dead in flash floods in Sikkim

At least 11 people were killed and over a hundred were missing in a remote region of Sikkim on Wednesday as a glacial lake overflowed after torrential showers, triggering flash floods down the Teesta that washed away homes and highways, and smashed through a crucial dam that powers the region.

- Joydeep Thakur and Prawesh Lama

Though some officials on the ground indicated the toll had already hit 40, the administration said it was waiting for more reports from the region to ascertain the cost to human life.

A senior official with the state's disaster management said torrents of water that began coursing downstream around 1.30am on Wednesday, effectively cutting north Sikkim off from the rest of the state and marooning hundreds of people.

"We rushed out, and in 30 minutes, everything was gone. Our entire three storey home was washed away," said Mina Tamang, a 70-year-old resident of Singtam town who barely escaped the cascading waters.

A Sikkim government statement said 120 people - including 22 army personnel - were still missing as night fell on Wednesday, as 15-feet-high columns of water swept away six bridges and chunks of National Highway 10 that connects the northern state to West Bengal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang and assured him of all possible help.

"Spoke to Sikkim CM Shri @PSTamangGolay and took stock of the situation in the wake of the unfortunate natural calamity in parts of the state. Assured all possible support in addressing the challenge. I pray for the safety and well-being of all those affected", he posted on X.

"Emergency services have been mobilised to the affected areas, and I personally visited Singtam to assess the damages and engage with the local community," Tamang wrote on X.

"At least 11 people have died and 120 are missing," said Prabhakar Rai, director of Sikkim's disaster management department.