SIKKIM Earthquake update as at 1 P.M. Today

 The Number of deaths as reported by the State Government of Sikkim is 57. This may increase further as rescue and release teams reach further into interior areas. The break-up of death toll is as follows- East District- 12, North District-40, West District -04 and South District-01. 58 persons are injured.

 A total of 700 houses have reportedly collapsed. About 500 houses have been reported to be substantially damaged. In other areas also, extensive damage to houses has been reported. The State Govt will be able to give the exact the number after ascertaining the damage through physical verification.

 About 400 foreigners are reported to be stranded in North Sikkim.

 The State Govt. has opened relief camps in each district. 2700 and 550 people have been provided shelter into Army camps and ITBP camp (Pengong) respectively.

 A total of 5500 Army personnel have been deployed for rescue and relief operation. 60 villages have been physically covered by the team of Army Jawans in their search and rescue operation. 2 teams of 30 Army Jawans each with RMOs are located in Mangan and Chungthan.

 30 sorties have been done by helicopters provided by the Ministry of Defence for airdropping and reconnaissance.

 Food packets have been airdropped in the northern part of North district at a place called Myang. Another supply of food packets is being dropped today.

 An aerial survey of affected was carried out by officers of the State Govt and NDRF on 20th Sept, 2011 to identify and list the affected villages.

 The road between Mangan and Chungthan (16 landslides ) has been opened upto 12 kilometer further north of Mangan.

 The Border Roads Organization and Army Engineers are working for restoration of different roads.

 Sikkim has 15 sub-stations of 66 kilowatt, out of which 6 were down. 3 however, have been restored.

 All the transmission lines and sub-stations of power grid have been restored.

 Power supply is normal except in the northern part of North district.

 Landline and microwave links are operational. The present status of mobile towers/BTS is as follows, Vodafone-53(167), Reliance-12(54), Idea-08(42), Aircell-21(55), Airtel-15(69), BSNL-24(122).

 Sufficient stock of essential commodities such as foodgrains, petroleum products and LPG are available in the State.

 1000 nos. of blankets, 400 nos. of extendable tents and 200 nos. of arctic tents are being dispatched to the affected areas.

 The Centre has constituted an inter-Ministerial team to visit the affected places in the State and give its recommendations for assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund.


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OK/KS
(Release ID :76134)