Gangtok: In a significant development, the Sikkim State Government has officially declared the severe weather-induced disruptions in North Sikkim a “Disaster.” This crucial declaration unleashes a full-scale, multi-agency response aimed at providing immediate relief and support to communities grappling with the aftermath in Mangan District.
Spearheading the comprehensive government effort, Chief Secretary R. Telang is personally overseeing operations, working in seamless coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), and the Indian Army. These dedicated agencies have swung into action, initiating round-the-clock relief, rescue, and evacuation operations to reach and assist civilians stranded in the particularly hard-hit regions of Chaten and Lachen.
The “Disaster” status empowers the state to swiftly mobilise vital resources and personnel, bypassing typical procedural hurdles. This immediate deployment is crucial for emergency teams striving to restore essential services and deliver much-needed relief supplies to some of the district’s most remote and challenging terrains. Concurrently, efforts are in full swing to reinstate damaged road connectivity and communication networks, both severely compromised by incessant rainfall-triggered landslides and flash floods.
A massive, coordinated operation is currently underway, encompassing helicopter sorties, ground convoys, and the activation of community shelters, all designed to alleviate further hardship for the affected populace. “The government is unwavering in its commitment to the safety and well-being of every citizen. Our relief teams are operating on a war footing,” affirmed a senior official from the SSDMA, underscoring the urgency and scale of the ongoing efforts.
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