Sikkim quake worst-hit still out of reach

India’s tardiness in responding to natural calamities was demonstrated again as National Disaster Response Force teams were yet to reach the worst quake affected areas in north Sikkim till reports last came in.

Even after 38 hours into the tragedy that devastated Sikkim, the NDRF was struggling to reach Mangan and arrangements were being made to airlift another team to Chungthan, the two regions in north Sikkim that bore the maximum damage.

“One team left for Mangan at 7.15 am (Tuesday). Arrangements are being made to airlift another NDRF team to Chungthan,” the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said at 1.15pm.

Coming to terms with the increasing death toll that touched 92 — 53 in Sikkim alone — and aware of the slackness in following standard operating procedures, the MHA deputed joint secretary (northeast) Shambhu Singh to Sikkim to coordinate the relief operations.

The army managed to airdrop two rescue teams of 30 personnel at Mangan and Chungthan on Monday. By Tuesday afternoon, 281 army troops had reached Mangan and started rescue work.

“We have been able establish relief camps there. Efforts are on establish telephones lines in the area,” deputy director general of military operations Brigadier Ranbir Singh said in Delhi.

Using 13 choppers, the IAF rescued over 3,000 people from the quake-hit areas, while the army pressed over 5,500 personnel to carry out relief operation and set up 20 medical centers and 11 cook houses to provide food in the worst affected areas.