 The state of Sikkim within India | |
| Date | 4–5 October 2023 |
|---|---|
| Location |
|
| Cause | Outburst of the South Lhonak lake due to heavy rainfall |
| Deaths | 92+ |
| Property damage | 15 bridges, one hydroelectric dam destroyed |
On 4 October 2023, heavy rains caused the glacial South Lhonak lake in Sikkim, a state in northeastern India, to breach its banks, causing a glacial lake outburst flood.[1] The flood reached the Teesta III Dam at Chungthang at midnight, before its gates could be opened, destroying the dam in minutes.[2] Water levels downstream in the River Teesta rose by up to 20 feet (6.1 m), causing widespread damage.[3]
It was the deadliest flood in the area after the 1968 Sikkim floods when around 1000 people were killed.[4]
- ^ Choudhury, Subrata Nag; Hussain, Zarir (4 October 2023). "Floods in India's Sikkim state leave 10 dead, 82 missing". Reuters. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
- ^ "Sikkim dam washed away in 10 minutes after flash flood: Official". Hindustan Times. 4 October 2023. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
- ^ "8 dead, 22 army men among 48 missing as flash flood wreaks havoc in Sikkim". The Tribune India. 4 October 2023. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
- ^ "Meer lichamen gevonden na overstromingen en dijkdoorbraak India, 74 doden". NOS (in Dutch). 9 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.