Video: How Sikkim flash floods washed away a village

The flash floods triggered by sudden heavy rainfall have wreaked havoc in the northeastern state of Sikkim. The calamity, which occurred on October 4, has claimed at least 14 lives and left over 100 people missing, including 22 army personnel.

The town of Rangpo was particularly hard hit, with several buildings and a bridge washed away. Rescue operations are currently underway, with over 2,000 people already rescued and more than 22,000 affected individuals being sheltered in 26 relief camps set up by the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority.

The flooding was exacerbated when parts of the Chungthang dam were washed away following a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim. The Teesta River, flowing through the Lachen Valley, saw water levels surge up to 15-20 feet high downstream, causing widespread devastation.

The situation remains precarious as the region braces for potential further rainfall.