Damage enormous, but situation under control

The day is clear, making the scars even starker. An IPR aerial photograph of Chungthang on a flight into the North District subdivisional town of Chungthang on Monday. Pegong can be seen in the foreground and Chungthang and the hills further north fill the background. 

The CS and DGP at Chungthang

CS, DGP AND RELIEF COMMISSIONER TOUR SLIDE-RAVAGED NORTH DISTRICT
GANGTOK, 24 Sept: Chief Secretary Karma Gyatso and Director General of Police Jasbir Singh accompanied by the Secretary cum State Relief Commissioner S.B.S Bhadauria visited Mangan and Chungthang today and also made an aerial survey of the landslide and flashflood affected areas of North district. The officials toured the affected area on the Pawan Hans helicopter of the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation.
The damage is enormous in locations directly hit by slides and flashfloods, the Relief Commissioner informs in press communiqué issued this evening, highlighting that the access route from Gangtok to Mangan and onwards to Chungthang and towards Lachen and Lachung are littered with around 80 landslides of various dimensions.
The Chief Secretary also held a meeting with the officers & staff of Chungthang Sub Divisional Office, Army, BRO, members of panchayat and other concerned and reviewed the current situation in the area.
Several issues and immediate concern were discussed at this meeting and directions issued to resolve them.
Upon being informed about the limited diesel and petrol stocks at Chungthang, the CS requested the Army and BRO to meet the civilian requirement till further arrangements are made, the Relief Commissioner informs.
Like was the case after the earthquake last year, water supply lines have been disrupted at Chungthang this time as well and at present, the water supply is being done through tankers. The concerned engineers are working on restoration and informed the meeting that regular supply will be restored within 4 days.
The telecommunication network has also been hit and at present only the mobile phone network is working but some areas don’t even have this coverage, and accordingly the Chief Secretary directed the concerned agencies to reach network coverage to all the areas, the RC informs. Meanwhile, Satellite Phones have been provided.
Chunthang’s power supply requirements are currently being met through generators and regular supply is expected to be restored within 7-10 days.
As for the damaged road connectivity, the CS directed BRO to put all resources into opening of the roads for vehicular traffic at the earliest and suggested that temporary diversions be made for smaller vehicles. This is being taken up immediately, the Relief commissioner informs.
On the stocks available in the cut-off areas, there is no shortage of essential items at present and buffer stock of foodgrains is available for at least a month, officials inform.
At the meeting, the Chief Secretary also directed the Chungthang SDM to carry out all relief & rescue operations efficiently and to distribute Relief & Ex-Gratia to affected families.
Meanwhile, the State Govt. plans to approach the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Disaster Management Authority to send a central team immediately to assess the damage and to provide financial support for rescue & relief.
The CS also convened a meeting at Mangan with the District Officials to assess the situation.
When informed of the need to air-drop ration at Toong, Naga, the meeting decided that the service be made available on Tuesday itself.
The North District Administration has also sought the services of a suggested team from the Mines, Mineral & Geology Department to assess the stability in Mangan and Chungthang area. The Chief Secretary assured that the team will be immediately deployed.
The CS also directed the DC, North to take all measures for relief & rehabilitation of affected families. Although the damage is extensive, the situation is well under control, the Relief Commissioner assures.