Devastating Landslides in Sikkim’s Mangan District Claim One Life, Five Missing
Northeast Desk, 13th June: Tragedy struck Sikkim’s Mangan district as massive landslides, triggered by relentless rainfall, wreaked havoc, claiming the life of one person and leaving five others missing, officials reported on Thursday.
The landslides caused widespread destruction, blocking roads with debris, inundating houses, and sweeping away electricity poles. In the Pakshep area of Mangan, the body of one individual was recovered, while three persons were reported missing from Ambithang near Rangrang and two others from Pakshep.
In Geythang, three houses suffered damage, while at Nampathang near Pentok, several houses were also damaged, exacerbating the situation. The Bringbong police outpost had to be relocated due to a landslide, and the foundation of a bridge at Sankalan was damaged.
Communication networks were severely affected in North Sikkim, adding to the challenges faced by rescue operations. Responding swiftly, the district administration requested the deployment of an SDRF team equipped with ration supplies to assist in Mangan.
District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri convened an emergency meeting with department heads to coordinate relief efforts and mitigate further risks. An earthmover was deployed near Mangshila Degree College to clear obstructed roads and facilitate access.
Despite being away in Arunachal Pradesh for the swearing-in ceremony of BJP leader Pema Khandu, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang maintained close communication with district authorities, police, and department officials to ensure an immediate response to the disaster.
In a statement, Chief Minister Tamang assured comprehensive support for the victims and affected families, pledging assistance for recovery, temporary settlements, and essential provisions.
He emphasized the state government’s steadfast commitment to aiding those impacted by the landslides, promising to return soon to oversee rescue and relief operations firsthand.
Read More: Meghalaya Conducts Dengue Surveillance at Dawki Land Port Amid Border Traffic