Flash-flood tears through Rolep, claims 7 lives

GANGTOK, 07 June: A flash flood in Rolep, under Rongli sub-division in East Sikkim, early this morning has claimed seven lives. Heavy overnight downpour is believed to have triggered a flash-flood at around 4:30 AM this morning on the jhora that flows through Rolep. Within minutes, five houses in the area were damaged beyond repair with some were completely washed away and seven lives from four families lost to the flash-flood.
Rolep is situated around 12 kilometers from Rongli Bazaar.
In this unfortunate incident, four members of a single family - Bir Man Rai, Mani Maya Rai, Tika Devi Rai and Susan Rai lost their lives. Others who also perished in the flash flood are Mihan Rai, Mahendra Prasad Rai and Chandra Kumari Rai.
SDM [Rongli], PD Rai, while speaking to NOW! over the phone, informed that all the seven dead bodies were recovered after a joint rescue operation, the last body pulled out from the debris at around 8 p.m. He further informed that there were also reports of many serious and minor injuries to people due to landslides in-and-around Rolep. There are around 14 minor and major landslides at various places from Lamaten towards Rolep, making access difficult. The communication network has also been severely affected.
As things stand, many families in the area have been shifted to safer locations with the help of panchayat members and local residents, the SDM further added.
District Collector [East], D. Anandan, is camped at Rongli and has taken charge of the situation and has been monitoring the rescue operations throughout the day. The district administration has also announced ex-gratia payment of Rs 1.5 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling is scheduled to visit the affected area on Friday, it is informed.