State of Alert declared along Teesta

GANGTOK, 23 Sept [IPR]: The State Government has declared a State of Alert along the establishments located on the river banks right from Lachen, Lachung, Chungthang, Mangan, Dikchu, Singtam and Rangpo. All Police Stations have been directed to inform the public and to instruct them to remain in safer places and abide by all safety measures

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Karma Gyatso has instructed the Secretary Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department to start necessary action for rescue and relief operation. He has given directives to the Director General of Police for instructing Police to coordinate in rescue and relief operations while the GOC 17 Mountain Division has been directed to immediately assist in the rescue and relief operations.
While, directives have also been issued to all the concerned HODs for restoration of all essential services immediately.
The Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department has directed the North District administration to immediately start with rescue and relief operations and sufficient financial support has been provided for search, rescue, relief and for Ex-Gratia payments.
The Army, ITBP, Sikkim Police, Panchayat, Project authorities and other agencies have been instructed to assist in search, rescue and relief operation while the concerned officials and departments have been directed to restore the necessary services like telephone, electricity, water supply, road network etc.
Search, rescue and relief operations are in full swing with helicopters from the Army and State Government deployed to assist in these operations. Power, water supply and telephone services are also being restored. There is no shortage of food but the road will take time to open for normal traffic.
At present, two IAF, one Army and other State Government helicopters have been deployed for rescue mission, as per a press release received from the Secretary cum Relief Commissioner.
The situation at present is under control with rescue and relief operation in process. However, all details can be confirmed when the rescue and relief operation is complete.