North observes first anniv of the 2011 earthquake

MANGAN, 18 Sept: The first anniversary of last year’s 18 September earthquake was observed here in Mangan, North Sikkim today with the participation of people from all walks of life.  In the morning session, a rally was conducted from the old Bus stand to the community hall at Mangan which saw the participation of Sr. SP North, BK Tamang, ADC North, Prabhakar Verma, SDM Mangan, PW Lepcha, CMO North, KT Lepcha, departmental officials, members of Mangan Nagar Panchayat, students from Mangan Sr. Secondary School, North Sikkim Academy and the local populace.
A short function was also held at the community hall which started with two minutes silence to pray for the departed souls the earthquake victims followed by prayers. The ADC North, Prabhakar Verma deliberated on disaster management and preparedness and also made the announcement of 18 September being declared as the Disaster Risk Reduction Day and 2012-13 as the Disaster Risk Reduction Year.
The Sr. SP North while addressing the gathering informed that awareness on disaster management is very important and further highlighted that natural calamities cannot be stopped but can be mitigated. He also appreciated and extended his gratitude to all the organizations, officials and individuals for their support in relief and rehabilitation post the earthquake.
Also in the function, the National Service Scheme volunteers of Mangan SSS, NYK Mangan, EPCS Church and Mangan Nagar Panchayat were felicitated for their support in relief and rehabilitation in the aftermath of the earthquake.
After the function a short mock drill demonstration was also conducted by Sikkim Fire Services headed by DSP, BK Gurung. The function concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by SDM Mangan, PW Lepcha.
In the evening, the people of North District joined in a candle light rally carried out from the old Bus stand to Lower Mangan Bazaar.