4 killed, 100 families evacuated in West Sikkim

PEMAYANGTSE AND TASHIDING MONASTERIES SUFFER MAJOR DAMAGE
GANGTOK, 19 Sept: Four people were confirmed killed and at least 6 injured in West district in the ensuing landslides triggered by the intense earthquake that rocked the state on Sunday evening.
Two casualties occurred in the Soreong sub-division while another 2 occurred at Kyongsa below Gyalshing. The victims were Chandra Kala Rai (25) form Khaniserbong GPU, Sujal Gurung (10) from Mangalbaria, Shekhar Rai (25) form Darjeeling working as labourer in Coastal Pvt. Ltd at Reshi and Ash Bdr. Rai (62) from Kyongsa.
According to DC West, Santa Pradhan, at least 100 families have been evacuated to safer locations and a number of school buildings and other buildings as well have suffered damages throughout the district.
The evacuated families are being provided food and shelter by the district officials and panchayats. It was also informed that the Area MLAs along with other officials conducted a survey of damages in the district and were providing assistance to the public.

Pemayangtse and Tashiding monasteries have also suffered extensive damages due to the earthquake. The district hospital too has suffered damages though the patients have not been required to evacuate the hospital. Meanwhile the Pelling helipad has developed 3 inch wide cracks.
The DC West informs that the police, panchayats, BDOs and civil defence were proactive in their efforts to provide relief and rehabilitation.
“Right now we have mobilized everything and all personnel who are actively engaged in the operations; the situation is under control” he stated. It was also informed that the Jorethang – Geyzing road had reopened by late evening while the Dentam to Uttarey stretch was still closed. Bad communications was hampering the relief efforts.