1 dead, 5 missing as Sikkim hit by massive landslides
Times of India | 13 June 2024
GANGTOK: At least one person was killed and five others went missing after incessant rainfall triggered massive landslides in Mangan district of Sikkim, officials reported on Thursday. The landslides caused extensive damage, blocking roads, inundating houses, and damaging electricity poles.
The body of one person was discovered in the Pakshep area of Mangan, while three individuals went missing from Ambithang near Rangrang, and two others from Pakshep.
In Geythang, three houses sustained damage, and several other houses were affected in Nampathang near Pentok, along with road blockages.
Due to a landslide, the Bringbong police outpost had to be relocated to a nearby location, and the foundation of a bridge at Sankalan was compromised. The landslides also impacted mobile network services in North Sikkim. The district administration requested the deployment of an SDRF team with rations to Mangan.
In response to the situation, Mangan district magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri held an urgent meeting with the heads of various departments to coordinate mitigation efforts. An earthmover was deployed near Mangshila Degree College to clear debris from the road.
Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang, who was attending a swearing-in ceremony in Arunachal Pradesh, communicated with the North district administration, police, and officials from other departments to ensure a swift response to the devastation caused by the landslides.
"Efforts are underway to provide every possible support to the victims and affected families, including recovery assistance, temporary settlement, and the provision of basic needs," Tamang said in a statement.
"The state government stands firmly with the victims of this unfortunate incident, pledging the utmost support to the bereaved families and all those affected and displaced by the landslides," he added.
The chief minister is expected to be back in the state shortly to directly oversee and manage the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.