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🗞️ Driving the news: Flash floods caused by a glacial lake bursting its banks in the Himalayas have resulted in the death of 74 individuals, with 101 still missing
• Torrential rains in the northeastern state of Sikkim led to torrents from Lohnak Lake damaging a dam and causing destruction in villages and Rangpo town, near the state capital of Gangtok

🔭 The context: The calamity follows a series of natural disasters in the Himalayan region driven by extreme weather events
• The region is further characterized by communication barriers, bad weather, and damaged roads, which are impeding search and rescue operations

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Such extreme weather events highlight the environmental challenges faced in the Himalayan region and the vulnerability of communities living in these areas
• These challenges are only intensifying with climate change

⏭️ What's next: Restoration of road connectivity is a priority, with federal cabinet secretary emphasizing the urgent need to evacuate people
• Portable bridges, known as Bailey bridges, will be launched where bridges have been destroyed

💬 One quote: “Had we not left for another two minutes, we might have drowned,” (Mukesh Kumar, a migrant worker in Rangpo)

📈 One stat: Sikkim received 101 mm (four inches) of rain in the first five days of October, which is more than double the usual levels

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