Sikkim flood toll rises to 18, nearly 100 missing amid hampered rescue operation

The death toll on Thursday, October 5, rose to 18, with 29 injured and 98 people missing after a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim, India, triggered a flash flood in the Teesta River basin on Wednesday.

The flood in Sikkim that started around 1:30 am was made worse by the release of water from Chungthang dam, the officials said.

Road connectivity between districts has been cut off and 14 bridges have been washed away, hampering rescue operations.

In the wake of severe weather, State government has announced closure of all educational institutions until October 15.