A major disaster took place in Sikkim on 4th October, when the Chungthang Hydro-Dam was washed away by flooding of the Teesta River. Flash floods severely affected several districts in the area and have caused major destructions, and several bridges also have been washed away by the strong water currents.
A bridge connecting the powerhouse was also washed away. At least 19 persons have been reported dead due to the flash floods, and over a hundred are still missing, including 22 personnel of the Indian army.
Over 2,000 people have been rescued so far. The disaster took place because of a sudden surge of water at South Lonak Lake in Northern Sikkim, around 50 km north of Chungthang; the main districts affected are Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong and Namchi.