Sikkim Mail

Gangtok: September 26

The total death toll in Sikkim has reached 93, caused by the devastating earth quake. However the state police on 25th of September have recovered one dead body from Vajra area where the five stories building had collapsed injuring four people on 23rd September. A press conference was held on Sunday in Gangtok where Secretary, Information
and Public Relation, KS Topgay informed media that the road connectivity from Rangpo to capital and Gangtok to Mangan has been reopened and added that IGP SD Negi also reached Lachung today and visited the affected areas minutely.

Col. Ravi Patel in his address stated that one person has been brought to Gangtok on Sunday by air from Lachen whereas four others were airdropped at Lachen from Gangtok. Colonel Patel further informed that 9 civilian were brought from Chaten to Gangtok, 15 people from Mangan and Chungthang, 35 workers from Mangan, Chungthang respectively. Two technician has been air dropped at Lachung whereas 300 kilograms of ration at Chungthang, 800 Kg ration at Lachen and 7 civilian were brought to Mangan from Lachen. 1400 kg ration has been air dropped at Rabong Katong, 1050 kg ration at Sabong and 400 kg ration at Singhik, North Sikkim by Army helicopters. Col. Patel added that 8 barrels of kerosene has also been air dropped at Lachung, 300 Liters at Chungthang and 200 liters in Lachen. The army used a total of 9 helicopters which had 4 Chitah, 3 ME 17 and 2 LHS helicopter for smooth conduction of relief, rescue measures in North Sikkim.

Palchen Lachungpa, who had come from Lachung informed that around 150 people have been living in monastery since 18th September as their houses have been totally damaged but no loss of lives of local
resident have been reported apart from one army personnel. Adding more Mr. Lachungpa said that two army jawans have lost their lives at Lachen on 18th September owing to the devastating earth quake whereas two army vehicle are still stranded at Lachung. There is no panic like situation prevailing in Lachung but some of the media are ill portraying the situation which should be avoided added Lachungpa.

Joint director GC Khanal informed that the government has formed an expert committee consisting of six members who will be heading for Lachung and Chungthang on Monday to see the stability of the land there. They will prepare a report of the land stability and submit it to the government. The Committee includes retired Principal of Geological department T. Tashi, Town Planner UD&HD Devika Chettri, Dr. Yogendra Singh, Dr. Amita Shegal and Raju Tamang respectively.

No glacial lakes have been damaged in North Sikkim. Four mountaineers along with 300 kgs of rations and four mountaineers along with 400 kgs of rations have been landed at Chungthang and Lachen respectively.

In the picture: People of Lachen interacting with the police official
pic courtesy IPR

 

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