Saturday, September 24, 2011
Earthquake Update as at 1 P.M. Today
Ø The Number of deaths as reported by the State Government of Sikkim is 75. The break-up of death toll is as follows- East District- 13, North District-57, West District -04 and South District-01. 32 persons are hospitalized. The search and rescue operations by teams of NDRF, Army and officials of State Government are on.
Ø The details of damage reported by the State government (tentatively), in respect of houses, schools, hospitals are as follows:
#
District
No. of houses damaged
No. of schools damaged
No. of hospitals damaged
1
North
NR
NR
07 FD
2
South
1000 – FD
20 - FD
NR
3
East
6000 - FD
9000 – PD
201 - FD
23 FD
4
West
1679 - FD
64- FD
NR
TOTAL
8679 - FD
9000 – PD
285 – FD
30 – FD
NR – Not reported, FD – Fully damaged, PD – Partially damaged
Ø 05 teams of NDRF are deployed for search and rescue operations at Shipgyar, Biha and Bringbang Ramam, Lingzya and Dzongu villages in Mangan.
Ø Two teams of NDRF comprising 14 personnel and 16 personnel each are deployed at Chungthan and Lachung respectively.
Ø The doctors of the NDRF team deployed at Mangan with medical detachment are providing medial relief at the camp set up at Manul Mangan.
Ø 827 ITBP personnel are engaged in rescue operations and have also been running relief camps where rescued villagers have been given shelter.
Ø The State Govt. has opened 11 relief camps. 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) are deployed for rescue operations. Rescue columns comprising 281 personnel deployed at Mangan have set up Integrated Command Centre.
Ø A medical team comprising 19 doctors (Surgeon – 4, Orthopedician – 6, Anaesthesian – 5, Neuro Surgeon – 2, and medicine – 2) have been deployed by the Ministry of Health, Government of India from Delhi on 19th September, 2011. A team of 10 doctors 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 Approx. 10,000 food packets have been air-dropped so far in the northern part of North District. Another 5000 food packets are ready for dropping at Chungthan, Lachung and Lachen after weather clears today.
Ø 15 helicopters of Army and Air Force have been pressed into relief work. For airdropping and reconnaissance, 150 sorties have been carried out so far.
Ø The following roads have 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 – 17 km open)
(vi)
Damdim – Alagarh – Rishi – Pedong
(vii)
Kupup – Natu La
(viii)
Pedong – Kupup
(ix)
Rangpo – Rorathang.
Ø The following roads are still blocked :
(i)
Chungthang – Lachen (22 kns.)
(ii)
Chungthan – Lachung (24 kms)
Ø Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Army Engineers are working for restoration of different roads.
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 01 water purifier have arrived in Sikkim for distribution to the affected areas.
OK/Hb
Ø The Number of deaths as reported by the State Government of Sikkim is 75. The break-up of death toll is as follows- East District- 13, North District-57, West District -04 and South District-01. 32 persons are hospitalized. The search and rescue operations by teams of NDRF, Army and officials of State Government are on.
Ø The details of damage reported by the State government (tentatively), in respect of houses, schools, hospitals are as follows:
#
District
No. of houses damaged
No. of schools damaged
No. of hospitals damaged
1
North
NR
NR
07 FD
2
South
1000 – FD
20 - FD
NR
3
East
6000 - FD
9000 – PD
201 - FD
23 FD
4
West
1679 - FD
64- FD
NR
TOTAL
8679 - FD
9000 – PD
285 – FD
30 – FD
NR – Not reported, FD – Fully damaged, PD – Partially damaged
Ø 05 teams of NDRF are deployed for search and rescue operations at Shipgyar, Biha and Bringbang Ramam, Lingzya and Dzongu villages in Mangan.
Ø Two teams of NDRF comprising 14 personnel and 16 personnel each are deployed at Chungthan and Lachung respectively.
Ø The doctors of the NDRF team deployed at Mangan with medical detachment are providing medial relief at the camp set up at Manul Mangan.
Ø 827 ITBP personnel are engaged in rescue operations and have also been running relief camps where rescued villagers have been given shelter.
Ø The State Govt. has opened 11 relief camps. 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) are deployed for rescue operations. Rescue columns comprising 281 personnel deployed at Mangan have set up Integrated Command Centre.
Ø A medical team comprising 19 doctors (Surgeon – 4, Orthopedician – 6, Anaesthesian – 5, Neuro Surgeon – 2, and medicine – 2) have been deployed by the Ministry of Health, Government of India from Delhi on 19th September, 2011. A team of 10 doctors 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 Approx. 10,000 food packets have been air-dropped so far in the northern part of North District. Another 5000 food packets are ready for dropping at Chungthan, Lachung and Lachen after weather clears today.
Ø 15 helicopters of Army and Air Force have been pressed into relief work. For airdropping and reconnaissance, 150 sorties have been carried out so far.
Ø The following roads have 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 – 17 km open)
(vi)
Damdim – Alagarh – Rishi – Pedong
(vii)
Kupup – Natu La
(viii)
Pedong – Kupup
(ix)
Rangpo – Rorathang.
Ø The following roads are still blocked :
(i)
Chungthang – Lachen (22 kns.)
(ii)
Chungthan – Lachung (24 kms)
Ø Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Army Engineers are working for restoration of different roads.
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 01 water purifier have arrived in Sikkim for distribution to the affected areas.
OK/Hb
Northeast, gateway to Bangladesh ties
source: The Hindu
AP Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina, interact during the the former's visit to Dhaka in September 2011.
Increased trade and investment will not only benefit the northeast but also help the Bangladesh economy grow faster, eventually deterring illegal migrants.
Debates over achievements apart, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh, on September 6 and 7, deserves a special mention as he was accompanied by a delegation that included the Chief Ministers of four bordering Indian states — Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram. This has endorsed the significance these States have in the context of growing relations between Dhaka and New Delhi.
The visit was a historic opportunity to open doors, mend fences, and reach out to each other realising the genuine needs of either side. Sadly, the hope was not fully met. While the two countries signed 10 agreements, protocols and memorandums of understanding (MoU), they failed to conclude a few important accords, for which both Dhaka and New Delhi had waited. However, the visit did not go in vain since both countries had felt the need to address pending issues quickly, resolving the political will which they had achieved when Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited India in January 2010.
The presence of the Chief Ministers — Tarun Gogoi of Assam, Manik Sarkar of Tripura, Mukul Sangma of Meghalaya and Lal Thanhawla of Mizoram — gave the visit a new dimension, as it had direct ramifications for much desired trade and connectivity that India needs to connect its landlocked States — some 2,62,230 sq.km. and about five crore people — through Bangladesh.
For the northeast, access to Bangladesh's Chittagong port, 75 km from Tripura, and gateway, was of importance. This has also a direct bearing on India's much talked about “Look East” policy.
During their interactions with government, business and civil society leaders, the Chief Ministers sought increased trade, investment and connectivity. They offered joint venture industrial projects and promotion of tourism. The failure to sign a “letter of exchange” — the transit deal — did frustrate them, but they were in unison pursuing their common goal — connectivity.
Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) president A.K. Azad requested clearance for and movement of goods, and acceptance of certificates issued by the designated national bodies to speed up trade with the northeast.
The geographical proximity between Bangladesh and the northeast should be beneficial to both. Mr. Sarkar asked Bangladeshi businessmen to utilise resources in the northeast, to set up agro-based industries and gas-based units like a fertilizer factory. “Tripura is a potential hub of trade with Bangladesh in the entire northeast India,” he said in an earlier interview. Bangladeshi products have a competitive advantage due to lower transportation costs. He also said once a proposed power plant is commissioned, Tripura could supply 100 MW to power-starved Bangladesh if an accord was negotiated with India.
Mr. Sangma is of the view that Bangladesh and the northeast have “a lot of potentialities and concerns” and must try to engage in fruitful cooperation. Mr. Gogoi said, “We want connectivity of not only roads and infrastructure…. we want connectivity of minds.”
All the Chief Ministers laid stress on improving Bangladesh's relations with the “Seven Sisters” in all sectors and proposed an increase of land ports. They also wanted cooperation in health, education and environment.
They praised the resolve of the Sheikh Hasina government to act against separatists and insurgents. The government, despite strong political adversaries who often term those insurgents “freedom fighters,” has decisively responded to New Delhi's request in this issue. Mr. Gogoi thanked Bangladesh for taking steps against the separatist United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).
Although there is no official bar, there are demands in a number of bordering States for Bangladeshi TV channels. There was an assurance of ensuring their telecast. Talks were also held on offering package tours to promote bilateral tourism.
Despite a shadow of controversy around the visit because of the Teesta deal, the Prime Ministers did not detract from their commitment to furthering the bilateral relationship.
For the Hasina government, postponement of the Teesta water sharing accord came as an embarrassment. Maybe, more so for India. The Bangladesh media said it was “a big let-down” for Bangladesh.
Another question addressed was the long-standing border issue including 6.5 km of undemarcated land boundary in three sectors — Daikhata-56 (West Bengal), Muhuri River-Belonia (Tripura) and Dumabari (Assam) — and land of adverse possessions — which were a source of conflict. The status of 111 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh and 51 Bangladesh enclaves in India was addressed.
These deals will not only end border skirmishes but also help improve trade with Bangladesh across West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. The residents of Bangladesh's Dahagram and Angarpota enclaves have already started enjoying their right to round-the-clock movement through the Teen Bigha corridor.
Experts are of the view that increased trade and investment will not only benefit the northeast but also help Bangladesh's economy grow faster, creating jobs and higher income which will eventually deter illegal migrants, a concern India has repeatedly raised. Higher income in Bangladesh will also foster political and social stability, and likely subdue all forms of potential extremism.
The political opposition has claimed that the Hasina government has provided the “corridor” facility to India although it did not gain Bangladesh's just share of rivers. Bangladeshi Nationalist Party leader Khaleda Zia told her loyalists: “This government must be uprooted.” Joined by Islamist radicals, they have announced plans to “dislodge” Sheikh Hasina for her alleged “surrendering” of national interests to India.
The last 40 years of history stipulate that there are varying aspects of criticism of Dhaka-New Delhi relations. While the first group is those who did not forgive India for assisting Bangladesh in achieving independence from Pakistan, the second section considered the “Indian bogey” political capital. And, of course, there is the third section which has a fear or doubt about Bangladesh getting its rightful share or equal treatment from India. This concern, right or perceived, must not be overlooked.
India has its own priorities and domestic compulsions, but for Bangladesh, which is a fragile democracy and a weak economy and which is threatened by Islamists, the lingering irritations may have political implications, say analysts.
India and Bangladesh signed a framework agreement on bilateral cooperation, in which a commitment has been made for cooperation in trade, connectivity and water resources. They also adopted a 65-point joint declaration reaffirming their positions against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and reiterating the assurance that their territories would not be allowed for any inimical activity.
Referring to the presence of the Chief Ministers, Dr. Singh termed it “a special moment,” adding “it is a demonstration of our collective will to shape a better future for ourselves.” He was also right in saying that there are few countries whose destinies are so interlinked.
There was also the resolve to preserve the memory of Bangladesh freedom fighters. New Delhi is to enhance scholarships for their heirs to pursue higher studies in India. Dhaka has also requested facilitation for setting up memorial plaques and visits of family members to the identified graves of freedom fighters buried along the border in Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam and West Bengal. These States, which were the sanctuary of Bangladesh liberation fighters, also sheltered 10 million refuges during the liberation war in 1971.
The building of a durable Bangladesh-India relationship cannot be judged by one trip. The political leadership will have to show prudence to overcome the challenges that may bedevil the relations in the future by taking quick and appropriate measures. Geography and history are for India and Bangladesh to be together.
(The writer, based in Dhaka, is a journalist and author. He is at hh1971@gmail.com)
Friday, September 23, 2011
10,000 food packets airdropped, toll rises to 118
Work to repair damaged roads is in full swing in East District of Sikkim on Friday. Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar
Fearing fresh tremors and landslides, hundreds of people in quake-hit remote areas of Sikkim started moving out of their villages as rescue teams airlifted 22 stranded engineers with the death toll in Sunday’s 6.8 devastating temblor rising to 118.
Scores of survivors trekked through difficult terrain and inclement weather from Lachung, Lachen and Chungthang reaching Tung, 10 km from Chungthang, one of the worst-hit areas, and recounted how huge boulders hurtled down the hills smashing their homes and leaving many dead and injured.
Over 10,000 food packets have been airdropped in the quake-hit areas of north Sikkim as two major roads connecting the region remained blocked due to landslides after Sunday’s 6.8 magnitude earthquake.
Home Ministry officials on Friday said another 5000 food packets are being sent to Chungthan, Lachung and Lachen.
With another body recovered in North Sikkim, the overall death toll has risen to 118 including 75 in the Himalayan state while West Bengal has reported 15 deaths, nine in Bihar, 11 in Nepal, seven in Tibet and one in Bhutan.
The number of dead in Sikkim has climbed to 57 in North District, East [13], West(4) and South (1).
Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling has convened a high-level meeting with top officials to take stock of the situation and work out measures to further intensify relief operations.
More than 100 relief camps have been set up across the state where food supplies and other required materials have reached, Chief Secretary Karma Gyatso told reporters.
“We first escaped to Guma and spent the night there and next morning we started trekking through extremely difficult terrains covered with debris,” Karma Bhutia (30), who arrived from Lachen here after trekking for two days, said.
Bhutia several villagers had to crawl some distances in spells since they feared that the wet soil might cave in any moment if they walked on such stretches.
Army sources said 22 engineers and technicians of Poddar Construction, engaged by the Teesta Urja Project, were rescued from Tung, five days after their bus was stranded during the powerful tremor in Sikkim.
“Their bus was halted by a huge boulder and our men rescued them from Tung yesterday. They will be sent to Gangtok today,” they said.
15 helicopters of Army and Air Force have been pressed into relief work. For airdropping and reconnaissance, 150 sorties have been carried out so far,” an official said.
While nine vital roads, including National Highway 31A and National Highway 55, have been reopened for traffic, two roads Chungthang-Lachen and Chungthan-Lachung continued to remain blocked due to landslide.
Five teams of NDRF have been deployed for search and rescue operations at Shipgyar, Biha and Bringbang Ramam, Lingzya and Dzongu villages in Mangan.
Labourers returning to Gangtok from the Teesta Stage III hydel project site at Chungthang in worst-hit North District today claimed that 70 of their colleagues were still missing.
Two teams of NDRF comprising 14 personnel and 16 personnel each are deployed at Chungthan and Lachung respectively.
Altogether 827 ITBP personnel are engaged in rescue operations and have also been running relief camps where rescued villagers have been given shelter.
Officials said the state government has opened 11 relief camps.
2700 and 550 people have been provided shelter into Army camps and ITBP camp (Pengong) respectively. 940 civilians have been treated at military hospitals.
source:The Hindu
Centre gives Rs. 50-crore grant to Sikkim
Centre gives Rs. 50-crore grant to Sikkim
Source: The Hindu
The Hindu It’s relief and smiles as evacuated children get down from an IAF chopper at Mangan in Sikkim. Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar
Related
PHOTOS
The Centre has allocated an immediate grant of Rs. 50 crore to the Sikkim government that will be followed by a detailed assessment to ensure the medium-term and long-term rehabilitation of the victims of the September 18 earthquake that devastated the region, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said in Gangtok on Thursday.
The death toll from the tragedy rose to 74 in Sikkim even as some areas remained inaccessible and relief material had to be airdropped, an official of the Sikkim government told The Hindu over telephone from Gangtok.
According to him, Mr. Chidambaram who conducted an aerial survey of some of the places affected reviewed the situation with Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling. He also visited some of the injured who have been admitted to a hospital in the Capital.
Mr. Chidambaram later said that both the immediate works that needed to be carried out as well as the financial position of the State in coping with the disaster were reviewed.
The Sikkim government was not short of funds and had been instructed to go ahead and spend the money for relief operations, he said. “Just to make sure that enough money is there to spend, with the approval of the Prime Minister, I have announced an immediate relief grant of Rs. 50 crores to the government of Sikkim,” Mr Chidambaram said.
He also said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wanted to visit Sikkim before he left for Washington, but there was no point as it was the second day of the tragedy and relief work would have been hampered. The Prime Minister would not have been able to visit the affected areas.
“He [Dr. Singh] has asked me to tell the government of Sikkim that he would visit the State first thing after his return from Washington,” Mr. Chidambaram added.
Meanwhile, the Sikkim government has been asked to prepare a memorandum on the losses suffered during the earthquake, he said.
“Without waiting for the memorandum, a Central team will come to Sikkim to make assessments. We will have two assessments ready and, based on that, long term and medium term rehabilitation programme will be drawn out,” Mr. Chidambaram said.
source: The Hindu
Ministry of Power asks NHPC to Assist Sikkim Government in Earthquake Rehabilitation
Ministry of Power has asked the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) to extend all possible assistance to State Government of Sikkim to bring normalcy to the earthquake affected areas near NHPC’s Teesta Hydel Power Station and Rangit Hydel Power Station in the State. Minister of State for Power Shri K.C. Venugopal held a review meeting in New Delhi today on the situation in the State and asked the NHPC to act on a war footing and spare its men & machinery for clearing the roads and other rehabilitation works.
The Minister also took stock of the post-earth quake situation at 510 MW Teesta Hydel Power Station and 60 MW Rangit Hydel Power Station. In the review meeting, it was decided to avail the services of seismic experts from IIT Roorkee to analyse the earthquake data and conduct the earthquake impact study at the dam sites of NHPC in the region and more specifically those in Sikkim. Apart from this, an Expert Team of Geologists, Engineers and senior executives of NHPC from its Headquarters in Delhi was also asked to visit the site and submit report to the Ministry. Power Supply position in Gangtok was also reviewed and Power Grid Corporation was instructed to expedite restoration of power. North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) was also asked to compile the seismic data collected from its power stations in North Eastern States for further analysis at IIT Roorkee.
…
MA/VN
(Release ID :76168)
Ministry of Power has asked the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) to extend all possible assistance to State Government of Sikkim to bring normalcy to the earthquake affected areas near NHPC’s Teesta Hydel Power Station and Rangit Hydel Power Station in the State. Minister of State for Power Shri K.C. Venugopal held a review meeting in New Delhi today on the situation in the State and asked the NHPC to act on a war footing and spare its men & machinery for clearing the roads and other rehabilitation works.
The Minister also took stock of the post-earth quake situation at 510 MW Teesta Hydel Power Station and 60 MW Rangit Hydel Power Station. In the review meeting, it was decided to avail the services of seismic experts from IIT Roorkee to analyse the earthquake data and conduct the earthquake impact study at the dam sites of NHPC in the region and more specifically those in Sikkim. Apart from this, an Expert Team of Geologists, Engineers and senior executives of NHPC from its Headquarters in Delhi was also asked to visit the site and submit report to the Ministry. Power Supply position in Gangtok was also reviewed and Power Grid Corporation was instructed to expedite restoration of power. North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) was also asked to compile the seismic data collected from its power stations in North Eastern States for further analysis at IIT Roorkee.
…
MA/VN
(Release ID :76168)
Thursday, September 22, 2011
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.
*****
OK/KS
(Release ID :76167)
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.
*****
OK/KS
(Release ID :76167)
BPO market: Greater China will outpace India in 5 years
Asia-Pacific may reach revenues of $17.47 b in 2015
Mumbai, Sept. 21:
The back-office market in Greater China, which includes Taiwan and Hong Kong, will grow faster than India in the next five years, says a report from research firm Ovum.
While the BPO market in Greater China will increase at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.1 per cent between 2010 and 2015, India and South Korea growth at 15.7 per cent and 14.6 per cent, respectively.
Australia & NZ
Among the developed economies in Asia-Pacific, Australia and New-Zealand will show the highest traction with a CAGR of 7.4 per cent in the forecast period, according to a statement from Ovum.
Speaking to Business Line, Ovum analyst Ms Hansa Iyengar, said, “The major reason for the dramatic growth is that the Indian BPO sector is fairly mature than the Chinese one and as markets mature, the shift is more towards outsourcing up the value chain rather than sheer volume. Hence there will be a drop in growth rates (this can be seen when Indian BPO market is compared with say the US for example).
In fact, the BPO market of Greater China has been growing faster than the Indian market for the last few years now.
“The Chinese market is growing rapidly as enterprises in the financial services, telecoms and retail segments are massively outsourcing their back-office functions like bill /cheque processing, document management/processing, etc while Indian enterprises are looking at more complex areas such as HR/talent management outsourcing, and R&D outsourcing,” said Ms Iyengar.
The business process outsourcing or BPO market in Asia Pacific is expected to reach revenues of $17.47 billion in 2015, growing at a CAGR of 9.3 per cent from $11.18 billion reported in 2010.
key issue
In order to take advantage of the predicted growth in outsourcing, vendors will have to be cognizant of the fact that pricing of contracts is the major issue in the current scenario.
“Enterprises are moving away from multi-billion dollar, single vendor deals, and are spreading out their investments and risks.”
“Meanwhile, the small-to-medium sized enterprise segment is rapidly opening up to outsourcing and vendors need to be prepared with a game plan to meet this segments demand for low-priced, highly-flexible and scalable solutions, which are accompanied by the option to customise offerings and personalised customer service,” said Ms Iyengar.
Landslides at plant hit by India quake
source: AP
MANGAN: Indian soldiers scrambled Wednesday to reach a hydroelectric project in northeastern India where at least 17 people were killed and more were missing in a series of landslide triggered by a powerful earthquake.
The 6.9 magnitude earthquake Sunday evening killed at least 91 people across northeast India, Tibet and Nepal. Rescue efforts have been hampered by heavy rain and mudslides that blocked the roads leading to villages in the remote, mountainous region.
Several of those slides hit the area around the hydroelectric plant being built along the Teesta, a glacier fed river in the Himalayas in the northern part of the Indian state of Sikkim.
Prakash Wakankar, an official with Teesta Urja Co., which is building the plant, said nine workers were killed when the van they were riding was buried during the quake by boulders dislodged from a hillside. Another eight workers were killed in a separate landslide.
Other company officials said more workers were feared missing in another landslide that buried the workers' quarters. At least one said as many as 40 workers were unaccounted for.
"We are trying to ascertain the number of people who are missing, but it is difficult because some local workers have returned home after the quake," said P.P. Baby, a senior executive with the company.
Soldiers in helicopters were on their way to the area while other rescue workers were using heavy machinery to try to clear the mud and rocks blocking the roads to the plant, local official Janim Lepcha said.
Baby said the quake did not damage the plant, part of which is almost complete.
"The dam and the power plant structures are completely safe," he said.
The death toll from the quake was spread across a wide swath of the Himalayan region, with officials reporting 60 dead in Sikkim, 12 in West Bengal, six in Bihar, six in the neighboring Nepal and another seven in the Chinese region of Tibet. The toll was expected to rise as rescue workers gained access to remote villages in the sparsely populated region.
Troops have been airlifting rescuers and dropping food and supplies to the cut-off areas, but word on casualties and damage has been slow to come by.
Nearly 60 tourists, stranded in the popular mountain resort of Lachung, clambered onto army helicopters Wednesday and were ferried to the nearest town of Mangan.
"We've been waiting to be rescued," Kiran Palany, a Mumbai businessman, told the AP from Mangan. "It's been a harrowing three days."
With roads out of Lachung blocked by mudslides, Palany said he, his wife and their four companions had no choice but to wait for help to reach them.
"It was scary. The place is rife with rumors about more quakes and the local people are spending the night outdoors. We had to stay put. There was no way of getting out of Lachung," Palany said.
Lachung is around 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Gangtok, the Sikkim state capital.
In Gangtok, thousands of people rattled by aftershocks and fears that their homes could collapse instead sheltered on the grounds of a university and at a sports stadium.
By late Tuesday, a few villagers with badly injured relatives had begun to arrive at Gangtok's main hospital from more remote areas.
Thurba Singh Sherpa said he walked for nine hours carrying his 6-year-old son, who was injured when a large boulder fell on the jeep he was traveling in. Two other children died on the spot and two others, more critically injured, were airlifted by helicopters, Sherpa said.
The region has been hit by major earthquakes in the past, including in 1950 and 1897.
source: AP
MANGAN: Indian soldiers scrambled Wednesday to reach a hydroelectric project in northeastern India where at least 17 people were killed and more were missing in a series of landslide triggered by a powerful earthquake.
The 6.9 magnitude earthquake Sunday evening killed at least 91 people across northeast India, Tibet and Nepal. Rescue efforts have been hampered by heavy rain and mudslides that blocked the roads leading to villages in the remote, mountainous region.
Several of those slides hit the area around the hydroelectric plant being built along the Teesta, a glacier fed river in the Himalayas in the northern part of the Indian state of Sikkim.
Prakash Wakankar, an official with Teesta Urja Co., which is building the plant, said nine workers were killed when the van they were riding was buried during the quake by boulders dislodged from a hillside. Another eight workers were killed in a separate landslide.
Other company officials said more workers were feared missing in another landslide that buried the workers' quarters. At least one said as many as 40 workers were unaccounted for.
"We are trying to ascertain the number of people who are missing, but it is difficult because some local workers have returned home after the quake," said P.P. Baby, a senior executive with the company.
Soldiers in helicopters were on their way to the area while other rescue workers were using heavy machinery to try to clear the mud and rocks blocking the roads to the plant, local official Janim Lepcha said.
Baby said the quake did not damage the plant, part of which is almost complete.
"The dam and the power plant structures are completely safe," he said.
The death toll from the quake was spread across a wide swath of the Himalayan region, with officials reporting 60 dead in Sikkim, 12 in West Bengal, six in Bihar, six in the neighboring Nepal and another seven in the Chinese region of Tibet. The toll was expected to rise as rescue workers gained access to remote villages in the sparsely populated region.
Troops have been airlifting rescuers and dropping food and supplies to the cut-off areas, but word on casualties and damage has been slow to come by.
Nearly 60 tourists, stranded in the popular mountain resort of Lachung, clambered onto army helicopters Wednesday and were ferried to the nearest town of Mangan.
"We've been waiting to be rescued," Kiran Palany, a Mumbai businessman, told the AP from Mangan. "It's been a harrowing three days."
With roads out of Lachung blocked by mudslides, Palany said he, his wife and their four companions had no choice but to wait for help to reach them.
"It was scary. The place is rife with rumors about more quakes and the local people are spending the night outdoors. We had to stay put. There was no way of getting out of Lachung," Palany said.
Lachung is around 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Gangtok, the Sikkim state capital.
In Gangtok, thousands of people rattled by aftershocks and fears that their homes could collapse instead sheltered on the grounds of a university and at a sports stadium.
By late Tuesday, a few villagers with badly injured relatives had begun to arrive at Gangtok's main hospital from more remote areas.
Thurba Singh Sherpa said he walked for nine hours carrying his 6-year-old son, who was injured when a large boulder fell on the jeep he was traveling in. Two other children died on the spot and two others, more critically injured, were airlifted by helicopters, Sherpa said.
The region has been hit by major earthquakes in the past, including in 1950 and 1897.
Chungthang remains cut off for fourth day
Mangan-Chungthang road, lifeline of the town, can't be opened in the next three or four weeks
Chungthang, one of the worst quake-affected areas in North district of Sikkim, remained cut off for the fourth day on Wednesday.
Authorities have ruled out the possibility of opening the 28-km Mangan-Chungthang road in the next three or four weeks. Till the Border Roads Organisation restores the only road to Chungthang, helicopters will be the only means of transport to take aid to the affected residents.
Chungthang, a sub-divisional headquarters town, now has stocks of essential items that will last for another five-six days. The State government has decided to airlift 300 quintals of rice and other essential items from Gangtok, MLA of the Chungthang-Mangan T.W. Lepcha told The Hindu after making an aerial assessment of the situation in Chungthang.
Chungthang has a population of about 3,000 people, including 1,000 migrant workers.
Mr. Lepcha said the road was severely damaged; at some locations between Toong and Chungthang, the long stretches of the road vanished under the pile of rubble brought down by landslips. “It will take at least one month to restore the road communication.” So far 22 bodies were recovered and several injured airlifted for treatment.
Most of the victims were migrant workers engaged in the construction of the 1,200-MW power project on the Teesta, he said.
Chief Secretary Karma Gaytso and Director-General of Police Jasbir Singh made an aerial survey of Chungthang and held meetings with officials of the local administration to assess the effectiveness of the relief and rescue missions, ahead of Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling's visit on Thursday.
source;The Hindu
Himalayan mountains lose peace after the devastating earthquake
Army personnel talking to Suman, a contractor in the Teesta Urja project, after crossing the Manul village on Wednesday to reach the remote villages of North Sikkim. Suman and his wife Sanju braved the forest path to reach Manul with their child. Photo: Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury
It was 7.30 a.m. The Army contingent was ready at Manul hamlet, just 7 km from Mangan, district headquarters of the North Sikkim district in Sikkim. The contingent was to march forward to reach the remotest of villages in the district to rescue the earthquake victims.
Heavy landslides caused by last Sunday's massive earthquake have disconnected those villages. Very few residents of the villages endured the arduous trek to Manul as they had faced devastation and distress back home.
Some of them were workers of the Teesta Urja project and they appeared to be traumatised by the experience. According to them, the situation at the project tunnel could be serious: “We do not know how many workers have been trapped inside.”
Kamal and Romu, residents of Rammam village, braved the forest path and climbed up to Manul with their one-year-old baby.
The Army unit started from Manul to reach Rammam. I accompanied the team along the tough hilly terrain to witness the rescue operations in the remotest areas. The team had to go 1,500 ft. downhill from Manul to reach the Teesta river. Then it had to climb up around 1,500 ft. through dense forests after crossing the river.
The team was taking down every detail of the route from the local residents. A helicopter was hovering above – with Army personnel trying their best to rescue people from the villages of Chungthang, Shipgyre and Saffo. Given the extent of damage and its remoteness, the village of Rammam, however, remained out of bounds even to the helicopter.
The Army personnel came by a family who were climbing up with great difficulty with as few belongings as they could carry. Suman is a contractor working for the Teesta Urja project. Horrified at seeing death from such a close distance, he was at a loss for words to explain his experience and tightly held his baby boy Shreyan to his chest. Suman's wife Sanju's lips had turned pale with shock and exhaustion due to the steep climb to reach Manul in search of a new life.
A faint smile of joy appeared on baby Shreyan's face after receiving chocolates from the Army personnel – perhaps the first time since the tragedy struck.
The vertical downhill path led to a plateau where a group of people were resting. Amrit Thapa, an injured worker of the Teesta Urja project, was being carried to Manul by sherpas by fastening him on to a plastic chair.
The Army team marched forward to cross the turbulent Teesta. I met Dawa Doma, sarpanch of Rammam village, who was on her way to survey the village.
“Rammam has a population of 200 people whereas Saffu and Shipgyre have bigger populations of 400 people. Nature is cruel sometimes and none can go against her. We are trying hard to support the villagers. Teams of the armed forces and the National Disaster Response Force have reached the village and we hope the situation to improve soon,” she said.
North Sikkim is a place where the heaven touches the earth, the ambience creates a mystery, silence can be heard, vision tends to travel beyond the horizon, soul starts meditating unknowingly and the mind gets rejuvenated.
But all these things are absurd now. The fragile Himalayan terrain, which can put our minds at peace, is also capable of stealing the peace through sheer geographical change.
(The writer is a Special Photographer of Business Line)
Centre to give Rs. 50 crore grant to quake-hit Sikkim
PTI
The Centre would give Rs. 50 crore immediately as grant for relief and rehabilitation work in quake-ravaged Sikkim where nine villages are still cut off in the North district, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Thursday said.
After assessment of the situation, medium and long term rehabilitation programme would be drawn up in the state, he said, adding the Centre would work shoulder to shoulder with the state to restore normalcy.
“The Centre will immediately release Rs. 50 crore as grant for the relief and rehabilitation work in Sikkim though the state has enough funds”, Mr. Chidambaram told reporters after meeting state Chief Minister Pawan Chamling here.
He said the Prime Minister would visit Sikkim after his return to the country from abroad.
Mr. Chidambaram said relief work has started in most of the affected places but “nine villages in the North district are still cut off but the army assured me that they will be able to reach there soon“.
Around 6,000 people are sheltered in the relief camps and the immediate work was to send relief to them, he said, adding that food dropping was done in most of the affected areas.
Efforts were on to restore electricity and communication and soon the work would be completed, he said.
Earlier, Mr. Chidambaram who arrived at the Libing helipad here at 9.15 a.m., interacted with the quake victims at the STNM hospital here.
PTI
The Centre would give Rs. 50 crore immediately as grant for relief and rehabilitation work in quake-ravaged Sikkim where nine villages are still cut off in the North district, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Thursday said.
After assessment of the situation, medium and long term rehabilitation programme would be drawn up in the state, he said, adding the Centre would work shoulder to shoulder with the state to restore normalcy.
“The Centre will immediately release Rs. 50 crore as grant for the relief and rehabilitation work in Sikkim though the state has enough funds”, Mr. Chidambaram told reporters after meeting state Chief Minister Pawan Chamling here.
He said the Prime Minister would visit Sikkim after his return to the country from abroad.
Mr. Chidambaram said relief work has started in most of the affected places but “nine villages in the North district are still cut off but the army assured me that they will be able to reach there soon“.
Around 6,000 people are sheltered in the relief camps and the immediate work was to send relief to them, he said, adding that food dropping was done in most of the affected areas.
Efforts were on to restore electricity and communication and soon the work would be completed, he said.
Earlier, Mr. Chidambaram who arrived at the Libing helipad here at 9.15 a.m., interacted with the quake victims at the STNM hospital here.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
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.
*****
OK/KS
(Release ID :76134)
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.
*****
OK/KS
(Release ID :76134)
Largest Earthquakes in the World Since 1900
Google Earth KML (requires Google Earth)
| Location | Date UTC | Magnitude | Lat. | Long. | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Chile | 1960 05 22 | 9.5 | -38.29 | -73.05 | Kanamori, 1977 |
| 2. | Prince William Sound, Alaska | 1964 03 28 | 9.2 | 61.02 | -147.65 | Kanamori, 1977 |
| 3. | Off the West Coast of Northern Sumatra | 2004 12 26 | 9.1 | 3.30 | 95.78 | Park et al., 2005 |
| 4. | Near the East Coast of Honshu, Japan | 2011 03 11 | 9.0 | 38.322 | 142.369 | PDE |
| 5. | Kamchatka | 1952 11 04 | 9.0 | 52.76 | 160.06 | Kanamori, 1977 |
| 6. | Offshore Maule, Chile | 2010 02 27 | 8.8 | -35.846 | -72.719 | PDE |
| 7. | Off the Coast of Ecuador | 1906 01 31 | 8.8 | 1.0 | -81.5 | Kanamori, 1977 |
| 8. | Rat Islands, Alaska | 1965 02 04 | 8.7 | 51.21 | 178.50 | Kanamori, 1977 |
| 9. | Northern Sumatra, Indonesia | 2005 03 28 | 8.6 | 2.08 | 97.01 | PDE |
| 10. | Assam - Tibet | 1950 08 15 | 8.6 | 28.5 | 96.5 | Kanamori, 1977 |
| 11. | Andreanof Islands, Alaska | 1957 03 09 | 8.6 | 51.56 | -175.39 | Johnson et al., 1994 |
| 12. | Southern Sumatra, Indonesia | 2007 09 12 | 8.5 | -4.438 | 101.367 | PDE |
| 13. | Banda Sea, Indonesia | 1938 02 01 | 8.5 | -5.05 | 131.62 | Okal and Reymond, 2003 |
| 14. | Kamchatka | 1923 02 03 | 8.5 | 54.0 | 161.0 | Kanamori, 1988 |
| 15. | Chile-Argentina Border | 1922 11 11 | 8.5 | -28.55 | -70.50 | Kanamori, 1977 |
| 16. | Kuril Islands | 1963 10 13 | 8.5 | 44.9 | 149.6 | Kanamori, 1977 |
| Updated 2011 March 15 | ||||||
References
Johnson, J.M., Y. Tanioka, L.J. Ruff, K. Sataki, H. Kanamori, and L.R. Sykes, 1994, The 1957 great Aleutian earthquake, Pure and Appl. Geophys., 142, 3-28.
Kanamori, H., 1977, The energy release of great earthquakes, J. Geophys. Res. 82, 2981-2987.
Kanamori, H., 1988, Importance of historical seismograms for geophysical research, in Lee, W.H.K., Meyers, H., and Shimazaki, K., eds., Historical Seismograms and Earthquakes of the World: San Diego, Academic Press, p. 16-33.
Okal, E.A., and D. Reymond, The mechanism of great Banda Sea earthquake of 01 February 1983, 2003, Applying the method of Preliminary Determination of Focal Mechanism to a historical event, Earth Planet. Sci. Letts., 216, 1-15.
Park, J., T.-R. A. Song, J. Tromp, E. Okal, S. Stein, G. Roult, E. Clevede, G. Laske, H. Kanamori, P. Davis, J. Berger, C. Braitenberg, M. Van Camp, X. Lei, H. Sun, H. Xu, S. Rossat, 2005, Earth's free oscillations excited by the 26 December 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, Science, 308, 1139-1144.
PDE (Preliminary Determination of Earthquakes) Monthly Listing, U.S. Geological Suvery, Golden, CO.
Revisions
The Andreanof Islands, Alaska earthquake of 1957 03 09, previously listed with a magnitude o f 9.1, has had its magnitude reviewed, and it was updated to 8.6.
The Ningxia-Gansu, China earthquake of 1920 12 16, previously listed with a magnitude of 8.6, has had its magnitude reviewed, and it was updated to 7.8.
The Tonga earthquake of 1917 06 26, previously listed with a magnitude of 8.5, has had its magnitude reviewed, and it was updated to 8.4.
Magnitude 6.9 - SIKKIM, INDIA
Magnitude 6.9 - SIKKIM, INDIA
2011 September 18 12:40:48 UTC
This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.
Magnitude 6.9
Date-Time Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 12:40:48 UTC
Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 06:10:48 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location 27.723°N, 88.064°E
Depth 19.7 km (12.2 miles)
Region SIKKIM, INDIA
Distances 68 km (42 miles) NW of Gangtok, Sikkim, India
119 km (73 miles) NNW of Shiliguri, West Bengal, India
272 km (169 miles) E of KATHMANDU, Nepal
572 km (355 miles) N of Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal, India
Location Uncertainty horizontal +/- 13.5 km (8.4 miles); depth +/- 3.5 km (2.2 miles)
Parameters NST=344, Nph=348, Dmin=371.8 km, Rmss=1.21 sec, Gp= 22°,
M-type="moment" magnitude from initial P wave (tsuboi method) (Mi/Mwp), Version=C
Source Magnitude: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
Location: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
Event ID usc0005wg6
Tectonic Summary
September 18, 2011 India-Nepal border region earthquake occurred near the boundary between the India and Eurasia plates, in the mountainous region of northeast India near the Nepalese boarder. Initial analyses suggest the earthquake was complex, likely a result of two events occurring close together in time at depths of approximately 20 km beneath the Earth's surface. At the latitude of the September 18 earthquake, the India plate converges with Eurasia at a rate of approximately 46 mm/yr towards the north-northeast. The broad convergence between these two plates has resulted in the uplift of the Himalayas, the world's tallest mountain range. The preliminary focal mechanism of the earthquake suggests strike slip faulting, and thus an intraplate source within the upper Eurasian plate or the underlying India plate, rather than occurring on the thrust interface plate boundary between the two.
This region has experienced relatively moderate seismicity in the past, with 18 earthquakes of M 5 or greater over the past 35 years within 100 km of the epicenter of the September 18 event. The largest of these was a M 6.1 earthquake in November of 1980, 75 km to the southeast.
Preliminary Earthquake Report
U.S. Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center:
2011 September 18 12:40:48 UTC
This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.
Magnitude 6.9
Date-Time Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 12:40:48 UTC
Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 06:10:48 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location 27.723°N, 88.064°E
Depth 19.7 km (12.2 miles)
Region SIKKIM, INDIA
Distances 68 km (42 miles) NW of Gangtok, Sikkim, India
119 km (73 miles) NNW of Shiliguri, West Bengal, India
272 km (169 miles) E of KATHMANDU, Nepal
572 km (355 miles) N of Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal, India
Location Uncertainty horizontal +/- 13.5 km (8.4 miles); depth +/- 3.5 km (2.2 miles)
Parameters NST=344, Nph=348, Dmin=371.8 km, Rmss=1.21 sec, Gp= 22°,
M-type="moment" magnitude from initial P wave (tsuboi method) (Mi/Mwp), Version=C
Source Magnitude: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
Location: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
Event ID usc0005wg6
Tectonic Summary
September 18, 2011 India-Nepal border region earthquake occurred near the boundary between the India and Eurasia plates, in the mountainous region of northeast India near the Nepalese boarder. Initial analyses suggest the earthquake was complex, likely a result of two events occurring close together in time at depths of approximately 20 km beneath the Earth's surface. At the latitude of the September 18 earthquake, the India plate converges with Eurasia at a rate of approximately 46 mm/yr towards the north-northeast. The broad convergence between these two plates has resulted in the uplift of the Himalayas, the world's tallest mountain range. The preliminary focal mechanism of the earthquake suggests strike slip faulting, and thus an intraplate source within the upper Eurasian plate or the underlying India plate, rather than occurring on the thrust interface plate boundary between the two.
This region has experienced relatively moderate seismicity in the past, with 18 earthquakes of M 5 or greater over the past 35 years within 100 km of the epicenter of the September 18 event. The largest of these was a M 6.1 earthquake in November of 1980, 75 km to the southeast.
Preliminary Earthquake Report
U.S. Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center:
Sikkim Earthquake and its effects around-update
Nepal
In the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, damage from the earthquake was comparatively limited.[16] Three people were killed when a wall at the British Embassy collapsed, and many others suffered injuries. The shaking effects were more severe in eastern Nepal, which is closer to the epicenter. There, hundreds of homes sustained significant damage, and due to saturated soil from preceding heavy rains widespread mudslides impacted the region.[26] Sunsari experienced power and telephone communication outages.[16] Two people were killed in the eastern city of Dharan.[27]
[edit]
BangladeshThe earthquake was felt most strongly in northern Bangladesh. The quake was also felt in Dhaka, Sylhet, Faridpur, Bogra and as far as Chittagong.[28] Panicked people rushed out of their homes and offices,[28][29] but the only damage seems to be tilted and cracked buildings;[30] no casualties were reported.[29] Cell phone lines were also down for a few minutes during the quake.[29]
[edit]
ChinaIn Tibet, building collapse was reported in Yadong,[31] Dinggyê and Gamba.[14] 7 people were reported dead in Yadong.[32] Telephone service was interrupted in the seat of Yadong County.[33]
[edit]
Bhutan So far there have been no reports of casualties in Bhutan; however cracks on walls and ceilings of houses have been reported in Wangthangkha village, Lango and the town area in Paro. There are also reports of a landslide right after crossing the Isuna Bridge from Paro towards Thimphu, and falling boulders after crossing Chundzom Bridge. Citizens were asked to avoid traveling on the Paro-Thimphu highway. Telecommunications networks were disrupted, with cellular networks unavailable after the quake. [34]
Prime Minister of Bhutan Jigmi Thinley updated in his status [35] as "Phone lines remains clogged reflecting our caring and close knit society. No damage reported from East Bhutan. Four road blocks caused by falling debris are reported on the Chukha - Phuntsholing road. Two homes in Haa report damage with 3-4 people having suffered minor injury. Thimphu Dzong has sustained some cracks in the Utse and one of the four corner towers. Occupants have been moved out to safer parts. Please remain calm and alert."
source: Wikepedia
In the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, damage from the earthquake was comparatively limited.[16] Three people were killed when a wall at the British Embassy collapsed, and many others suffered injuries. The shaking effects were more severe in eastern Nepal, which is closer to the epicenter. There, hundreds of homes sustained significant damage, and due to saturated soil from preceding heavy rains widespread mudslides impacted the region.[26] Sunsari experienced power and telephone communication outages.[16] Two people were killed in the eastern city of Dharan.[27]
[edit]
BangladeshThe earthquake was felt most strongly in northern Bangladesh. The quake was also felt in Dhaka, Sylhet, Faridpur, Bogra and as far as Chittagong.[28] Panicked people rushed out of their homes and offices,[28][29] but the only damage seems to be tilted and cracked buildings;[30] no casualties were reported.[29] Cell phone lines were also down for a few minutes during the quake.[29]
[edit]
ChinaIn Tibet, building collapse was reported in Yadong,[31] Dinggyê and Gamba.[14] 7 people were reported dead in Yadong.[32] Telephone service was interrupted in the seat of Yadong County.[33]
[edit]
Bhutan So far there have been no reports of casualties in Bhutan; however cracks on walls and ceilings of houses have been reported in Wangthangkha village, Lango and the town area in Paro. There are also reports of a landslide right after crossing the Isuna Bridge from Paro towards Thimphu, and falling boulders after crossing Chundzom Bridge. Citizens were asked to avoid traveling on the Paro-Thimphu highway. Telecommunications networks were disrupted, with cellular networks unavailable after the quake. [34]
Prime Minister of Bhutan Jigmi Thinley updated in his status [35] as "Phone lines remains clogged reflecting our caring and close knit society. No damage reported from East Bhutan. Four road blocks caused by falling debris are reported on the Chukha - Phuntsholing road. Two homes in Haa report damage with 3-4 people having suffered minor injury. Thimphu Dzong has sustained some cracks in the Utse and one of the four corner towers. Occupants have been moved out to safer parts. Please remain calm and alert."
source: Wikepedia
SIKKIM:Foreigners cancel trips, domestic plans stay
FROM THE TELEGRAPH
BY AVIJIT SINHA
An injured army jawan being carried to a helicopter at Chungthang on Tuesday. Picture by Prabin Khaling
Siliguri, Sept. 20: The tremor has taken its toll on the tourism sector with a good number of foreigners cancelling their trips to Sikkim.
The tour operators hope that domestic tourists will stick to their travel plans for the festive season and are keeping their fingers crossed.
The cancellation of bookings has come as a double whammy for the tour operators as many hotels in Sikkim have been damaged in the quake.
“It would take time for the situation to turn normal in Sikkim. Cracks and crevices have appeared in hotels, which need repairs. Thousands of tourists flock to our state during Durga Puja and Diwali. But a large number of foreigners cancelled their bookings after the tremor,” said Lukendra Rasaily, the secretary of the Travel Agents’ Association of Sikkim.
“There have been no cancellations by domestic tourists yet; so, we are banking on them now.”
Rasaily said 50-odd tourists, including two Norwegian women, were left stranded at Lachung in North Sikkim after the earthquake. “We have no information about a group who had gone for a trek to Dzongri. Tourists in Lachung are safe and in good health.”
The quake has come as a major jolt to the tourism sector which had just started recovering in north Bengal and Sikkim after years of tumult in the Darjeeling hills.
“The tourism industry was affected by strikes and road blockades in the hills in the past three-four years. After the signing of the GTA agreement, things had started to look up and we had expected a brisk business during the Puja holidays. There were indications that thousands would pour in with reservations full on trains and buses and almost no rooms lying vacant in destinations like Gangtok, Darjeeling and Lataguri,” said a Siliguri-based tour operator.
“But the tourists are apprehensive after the natural disaster that claimed many lives and maimed many people and caused immense damage to properties. We don’t know what is there in store for us.”
The hoteliers now hope the domestic tourists would save their day.
“We are flooded with inquiries from domestic visitors. Fortunately, there have been no cancellations by them so far,” Samrat Sanyal, the president of the Eastern Himalaya Travel and Tour Operators’ Association, told The Telegraph over the phone from Ahmedabad.
The association is doing its bit to keep people posted of the situation after the quake.
“We have a two-fold task now. First, we will collect updates on roads and other developments and post them on the Internet. Second, our members will visit destinations like Lava, Kalimpong and Darjeeling and assess the damage caused by the earthquake,” said Raj Basu, an adviser to the association.
FROM THE TELEGRAPH
BY AVIJIT SINHA
An injured army jawan being carried to a helicopter at Chungthang on Tuesday. Picture by Prabin Khaling
Siliguri, Sept. 20: The tremor has taken its toll on the tourism sector with a good number of foreigners cancelling their trips to Sikkim.
The tour operators hope that domestic tourists will stick to their travel plans for the festive season and are keeping their fingers crossed.
The cancellation of bookings has come as a double whammy for the tour operators as many hotels in Sikkim have been damaged in the quake.
“It would take time for the situation to turn normal in Sikkim. Cracks and crevices have appeared in hotels, which need repairs. Thousands of tourists flock to our state during Durga Puja and Diwali. But a large number of foreigners cancelled their bookings after the tremor,” said Lukendra Rasaily, the secretary of the Travel Agents’ Association of Sikkim.
“There have been no cancellations by domestic tourists yet; so, we are banking on them now.”
Rasaily said 50-odd tourists, including two Norwegian women, were left stranded at Lachung in North Sikkim after the earthquake. “We have no information about a group who had gone for a trek to Dzongri. Tourists in Lachung are safe and in good health.”
The quake has come as a major jolt to the tourism sector which had just started recovering in north Bengal and Sikkim after years of tumult in the Darjeeling hills.
“The tourism industry was affected by strikes and road blockades in the hills in the past three-four years. After the signing of the GTA agreement, things had started to look up and we had expected a brisk business during the Puja holidays. There were indications that thousands would pour in with reservations full on trains and buses and almost no rooms lying vacant in destinations like Gangtok, Darjeeling and Lataguri,” said a Siliguri-based tour operator.
“But the tourists are apprehensive after the natural disaster that claimed many lives and maimed many people and caused immense damage to properties. We don’t know what is there in store for us.”
The hoteliers now hope the domestic tourists would save their day.
“We are flooded with inquiries from domestic visitors. Fortunately, there have been no cancellations by them so far,” Samrat Sanyal, the president of the Eastern Himalaya Travel and Tour Operators’ Association, told The Telegraph over the phone from Ahmedabad.
The association is doing its bit to keep people posted of the situation after the quake.
“We have a two-fold task now. First, we will collect updates on roads and other developments and post them on the Internet. Second, our members will visit destinations like Lava, Kalimpong and Darjeeling and assess the damage caused by the earthquake,” said Raj Basu, an adviser to the association.
DARJEELING HILLS / SIKKIM: ‘I saw husband, family plunge into Teesta, vanish in a flash’
Source: Barun Roy on September 21st, 2011
FROM INDIAN EXPRESS
BY MADHUPARNA DAS
Nimlamu Sherpa, 24, married a year ago. Doctors say she is in shock. partha paul
Nimlamu and Oondi Sherpa had got married just a year ago. On Sunday evening, Nimlamu saw her husband die in front of her eyes, the van they were travelling in being tossed like a matchbox into the gorge and then into the Teesta river below following the earthquake.
The 24-year-old had other family members in the jeep, all trying desperately to return home to Chongey in Upper Gangtok from Kalimpong following the first tremors. Barring Nimlamu, all are dead — her father Phulwa, stepmother Sukhmaya and three-year-old stepsister Kunjan. The van was fished out of the Teesta this afternoon, the bodies inside mangled — more statistics in the death toll in the earthquake in Sikkim, which today reached 53.
Nimlamu stares at the hospital walls, in shock and silence. Having miraculously escaped without an injury, she says: “I saw my husband, my father, stepmother and her daughter rolling in the swirling currents of the Teesta and vanishing within moments. I got stuck against a boulder. When I realised I was alive, I began shouting, which attracted villagers from nearby areas.They rescued me and brought me to the hospital.”
The drive to Kalimpong, an hour away, was meant to be a family outing for Nimlamu and her taxi-driver husband. The orthopaedic surgeon at the Sikkim Central Referral Hospital, Dr Gaurav Kumar, said though Nimlamu does not have any injuries, she is in a state of shock and trauma.
Said Dr D K Kanungo: “She is virtually speechless and stares blankly, sitting up every now and then and complaining that everything around her is shaking — the bed, the fan overhead, the floor — and that she is being tossed around. This is post-earthquake trauma and it will take her time to get over it. We are counselling her and giving her sedatives.”
The hospital, where 67 victims are currently being treated, is incidentally functioning without tap water. The quake caused the reservoir pipe to burst and hospital staff and even patients have been fetching water in buckets from nearby sources.
Dr Kanungo said that barring 10-12 patients with grievous injuries, the rest all were in trauma or shock. At the Singtam health centre too, most of the 70 patients are showing similar symptoms.
The psychiatrist at Singtam, Kenzeng Ongoo, said the fear the patients were facing was terrible and many had not been able to sleep. For the past two nights, 50-60 people have approached them complaining of dizziness and stomach pain. “Even if they know that saying at home and staying at the hospital makes no difference, there is a certain comfort level in staying in the hospital,” said Ongoo.
Among those who had a miraculous escape is Badri Kumar, a 22-year-old electrician from Vaishali in Bihar. Badri and his colleagues were returning home from Rangbi hydel project in East Sikkim when the quake hit. Badri could see boulders rolling down just behind them. They began running. But then boulders started falling in front of them, and in the confusion and panic, the four got separated.
Badri got hit by a stone and started rolling down the hill when he got stuck in a bush. In pain, he called out for help. His colleagues couldn’t make him out initially in the dark, till Badri started signalling them with the light of his mobile torch. They made their way to him and he was eventually shifted to a hospital.
However, unlike Nimlamu, Badri didn’t escape with just mental trauma. Badly crushed, his left leg will have to be amputated.
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.
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.
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