At least one person died and five others went missing after heavy rainfall caused massive landslides in Sikkim’s Mangan district, officials said on Thursday. Landslides blocked roads and damaged or flooded several houses, while electricity poles were washed away, they added.
According to officials, a body was found in the Pakshep area of Mangan, while three people went missing from Ambithang near Rangrang and two others from Pakshep. Additionally, three houses were damaged in Geythang, and several houses were damaged and roads blocked in Nampathang near Pentok, officials said.
The BoingBoing police outpost was moved to a nearby location due to a landslide, and the foundation of a bridge at Sankalan was damaged.Mobile network services were disrupted in North Sikkim, and the district administration requested an SDRF team with supplies to be sent to Mangan, officials added.
Meanwhile, Mangan District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri held an urgent meeting with department heads to address the situation.An earthmover was deployed near Mangshila Degree College to clear debris from the road.
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Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who is in Arunachal Pradesh for the swearing-in ceremony of BJP leader Pema Khandu, communicated with the North district administration, police, and other officials to ensure a swift response to the devastation.
“Efforts are underway to provide every possible support to the victims and affected families, including recovery assistance, temporary settlement, and the provision of basic needs,” Tamang said in a statement.
“The state government stands firmly with the victims of this unfortunate incident, pledging the utmost support to the bereaved families and all those affected and displaced by the landslides,” he said. He will soon return to the state to personally oversee rescue and relief operations.