Rains, landslides hampering rescue operations in quake-hit Sikkim

Mangan (Sikkim), Sep 21 (ANI): Hostile weather conditions are hampering rescue and relief operations in quake-hit Sikkim.

The rescue operations near Mangan, the epicenter of the earthquake were disrupted due to land slides and the rains that lashed the area. The high mountain passes in the quake-hit region were blocked by rocks and mud, making rescue work difficult.

State Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on Wednesday said that the death toll had risen to 68 and the number of injured was 300. He also said that 55 tourists had been rescued so far.

He further revealed that he would approach the Centre with a request for a special assistance package for the quake-hit areas, as the estimated loss was about Rs. one lakh crore.

Chamling said that at least 2000 dwellers had been destroyed and at present nine villages were inaccessible.

He said that rescue and relief operations could take another two to three days, and added that within ten days an assessment of the damage would be made.

Administrative authorities have informed media persons that connectivity, which has been badly hit due to the quake, posed a big hurdle in the post quake relief operations.

"Because of the connectivity problems we are unable to move inside the interior parts of the district. I my self along with the area MLA concerned we tried our best level. Tomorrow we are trying our best to reach Chungthang then both sectors Lachun and Lachen and it would be connected. And we will in a position to collect so many information, over there," said Nari Tshering Bhutia, Principal Chief Conservation of Forest.

Bhutia also said that after the earthquake, fear loomed large in the hearts of the locals who had survived the horrific tragedy.

"This is the first time that we are facing this sort of situation in Sikkim and people are little bit worried also and some sought of rumors are also affecting the people. People are staying outside their residential houses," he added.

Meanwhile army helicopters that have been pressed into rescue works were seen hovering above the epicenter, conducting aerial surveillance and rescue operations.

Locals also joined hands with rescue teams as the power, transportation and communication lines were disrupted.

A powerful earthquake with a 6.8 magnitude hit Sikkim and several areas in the eastern part of the country and neighbouring Nepal on the evening of September 18.

The epicentre of the quake was located in the Mangan and Sakyong areas, over 50 kilometres from Gangtok on the Sikkim-Nepal border. Tremors were also felt in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chandigarh and Delhi. (ANI)