Rescue teams in Rangpo, Sikkim, used metal panels to transport locals across a river of thick mud after floods devastated the area.

Footage filmed by local journalist Deepen shows rescuers carrying stranded residents across the river of sludge that has left almost 200 houses submerged.

Deepen said: "I went out for ground reporting early morning of the disaster yesterday. Although the water level has visibly reduced, the damage it has left behind is incomprehensible.

"I have been getting calls for help from people who are still trapped in their houses. The police are trying their best to rescue everyone but it has not been easy and as far as I can see it is hardly possible to rescue everyone.

"I saw children crying for help because they couldn’t save their parents when disaster hit.

"I interviewed an eyewitness who saw a running car get washed away along with the bridge.

"There are probably more than 150 people still trapped inside the thick bed of mud.

"It’s been an overflow of emotions, to know that tomorrow will bring about the reality of how many lives have actually been lost.”

At least 15,000 have been affected by the flash floods that washed away around 15 major bridges in the area.

Fourteen have been confirmed dead by rescue officials and 102 are reported missing.

A flash flood hit northeastern state Sikkim after the Teesta River swelled to an alarming level due to a sudden cloud burst in the northern part of Mangan district. This rescue footage is from Rangpo IBM where NDRF team is rescuing the public trapped inside the wet mud filled buildings. More than 150-200 houses are under debris in the area.
Local confirmed the death of 2 people in this area . Police personnel alerted the public before an hour to evacuate the place because of which there are less casualties.

Footage sourced from a local journalist named Deepen tells - “I went out for ground reporting early morning of the disaster yesterday. Although the water level had visibly reduced, the damage it has left behind is incomprehensible. I have been getting calls for help from people who are still trapped in their houses. The police are trying their best to rescue everyone but it has not been easy and as far as I can see it is hardly possible to rescue everyone. I saw children crying for help because they couldn’t save their parents when disaster hit. I interviewed an eyewitness who saw a running car get washed away along with the bridge. There are probably more than 150 people still trapped inside thick bed of mud . It’s been an overflow of emotions, to know that tomorrow will bring about the reality of how many lives have actually been lost.”

The situation worsened after the release of water from Chungthang dam that submerged camps and vehicles, and resulted in the washing away of 23 army personnel. 14 people have been dead and 102 are missing out of which 22 are army personnel. The search and rescue operation by Indian Army continues. One army personnel has been rescued so far. Around 15,000 people have been affected and at least 15 major bridges have been washed away along the banks of the Teesta River. The floods washed away a portion of Malli Road, the Indreni steel bridge in Gangtok's Singtam and the main highway connecting Sikkim to West Bengal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang. The PM took stock of the situation and assured of all possible help....//


On Tuesday morning, a sudden cloudburst in Sikkim triggered floods. Several bridges were washed away. Parts of National Highway-10 was inundated which has impacted atleast 15000 people. Alerts were issued to downstream habitations and rescue operation was initiated. 3 teams of NDRF, SDRF, ITBP & Army are on ground. Several people are missing-out of which 22 are army personnel. 25 people are injured and around 10 dead bodies have been recovered. Relief camps have been set up at several locations in the affected areas. The family members of the missing persons have been contacted and informed about the situation. The Cabinet Secretary assured the Government of Sikkim that all Central agencies are ready and will be available for assistance.

Rescue and relief works continue as , 14 dead, 102 missing as flash flood wreaks havoc in Sikkim