SIKKIM Earthquake Update as at 5 P.M. Today

Earthquake Update as at 5 P.M. Today


Ø The Number of deaths as reported by the State Government of Sikkim is 71. 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-54, West District -4 and South District-1. 58 persons are injured.


Ø Ten teams of NDRF consisting of 403 personnel along with necessary equipment have been deployed for search and rescue operations. Three teams of NDRF which were located at Gangtok have moved to Mangan and two teams already located at Mangan have been deployed for search and rescue operations in villages Ramam, Lingzya and Dzongu.


Ø Two teams of NDRF comprising 14 personnel and 16 personnel each have been deployed at Chungthan and Lachung respectively.


Ø The doctors of the NDRF team deployed at Mangan with medical detachment have set up a medial relief camp at Manul Mangan.


Ø 827 ITBP personnel are engaged in rescue operations and have also set up relief camps where rescued villagers have been given shelter.


Ø 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.


Ø A total of 5500 Army personnel located in Sikkim have been pressed into relief and rescue operations. Out of this, 94 Army columns (strength of columns varies from 15-40 personnel each) have been deployed for rescue operation. Rescue columns comprising 281 personnel deployed at Mangan have set up Integrated Command Centre.


Ø 94 villages have been physically covered by the team of Army jawans in their search and rescue operations.


Ø 21 Engineer columns have been deployed for restoration of communication on national highways in conjunction with BRO.


Ø A medical team comprising 19 doctors (Surgeon – 4, Orthopedician – 6, Anaesthesian – 5, Neuro Surgeon – 2, and medicine – 2) was deployed by the Ministry of Health, Government of India from Delhi on 19th September, 2011. A team of 10 doctors have reached Chungthan on 20th September 2011 and remaining 9 doctors have been deployed at STNM Hospital, Gangtok.


Ø 940 civilians have been treated at Military hospitals. 28 civilians evacuated by Army helicopters are currently under treatment at Military Hospitals.


Ø About 8000 food packets have been air-dropped in the northern part of North District.


Ø 15 helicopters of Army and Air Force have been pressed into relief work. For airdropping and reconnaissance, 100 sorties have been carried out so far.


Ø 2800 people have been provided shelter in 8 relief camps established at Darjeeling (01), Gangtok (04), Chungthan (02) and Pagong (01).


Ø In Chungthan ,about 2000 people have taken shelter at Gurudwara. Other temporary shelters are at Lingzya (20), Sakyong (30), Pentong (25), Ramam (30), Shipgyel (50), and Jongu/Saffo (30) in North District.


Ø One Joint Secretary from MHA has been deputed to Sikkim to coordinate the relief operations.


Ø The following roads have also been opened for traffic :


(i) National Highway 31-A from Siliguri to Gangtok
(ii) National Highway 55 - Darjeeling to Siliguri
(iii) Gangtok – Rangrang and Mangan
(iv) Mangan – Chugthan (upto 12 kms)
(v) Gangtok – Natu La. (56 km – 15 km open)
(vi) Damdim – Alagarh – Rishi – Pedong,
(vii) Kupup – Natu La


Ø The following roads are still blocked :
(i) Chungthang – Lachen (22 kns.)
(ii) Chungthan – Lachung (24 kms)
(iii) Pedong – Kupup (49 kms)
(iv) Rangpo – Rorathang.(10 kms.)


Ø Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Army Engineers are working for restoration of different roads.


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


Ø Landline and microwave links are operational. The present status of the operational mobile towers/BTS vis-à-vis total number is as follows, Vodafone-147(167), Reliance-41(54), Idea-42(42), Aircell-45(55), Airtel-65(69), BSNL-102(122).


Ø 3000 nos. of blankets, 400 nos. of tents, 200 stoves, 500 tarpaulin and 0 water purifier have been dispatched to the affected areas.


Ø The Union Home Minister visited Sikkim today to review the arrangements of rescue and relief post-earthquake. On behalf of the Prime Minister, the Home Minister announced a grant of Rs.50 crore for the purpose.


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OK/KS





(Release ID :76167)