Relief and restoration work in full swing in Sikkim; Death toll mounts to 108


Sep 21, 1:58 PM


Relief and restoration work in Sikkim in the aftermath of Sunday's earthquake, is in full swing. Power supply in the state has been partially restored and road connectivity is also being restored gradually.

Union Home Secretary, R.K.Singh said in New Delhi that the roads from Gangtok to Mangan have been opened. He said, five teams of National Disaster Response Force have reached Mangan. AIR Correspondent reports that over 5,000 troops, six transport aircraft and 15 helicopters have been deployed in Sikkim for relief operations.

The AICC General Secretary, Mr. Rahul Gandhi who arrived in Sikkim on Wednesday morning made an aerial survey of the worst affected north Sikkim. Talking to newspersons at the Army Helipad at Libing in Gangtok before leaving for Shillong, Mr. Gandhi assured all assistance to Sikkim from the Centre.

Earlier, Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs met in New Delhi to take stock of the situation. It was presided over by the Prime Minister. The meeting is understood to have deliberated on ways to help the quake affected people. Dr. Singh also spoke on phone to Sikkim Chief Minister, Pawan Kumar Chamling and assured him that Centre will do everything needed to deal with the situation.

Meanwhile, the death toll in the earthquake has risen to 108. Of these 69 have been killed in Sikkim, most of them in the worst affected North Sikkim district.