Flash floods in northern India have killed 8 people and left 23 soldiers missing

NEW DELHI (AP) — A sudden heavy rainfall has triggered flash floods in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, killing eight civilians and leaving 23 army soldiers missing. The Indian army says the flooding occurred along the Teesta River in the Lachen Valley. It says army camps and vehicles were submerged under mud and search efforts are underway. Water from a nearby dam also caused water levels to rise. Defense authorities say 80 residents have been safely evacuated from towns in the area. TV reports show that a bridge over the Teesta River has been washed away. Authorities say they have found the bodies of eight civilians _ five of them from the Golitar and Singtam regions.