Sikkim quake: Over 3,000 people rescued in affected areas

Using helicopters, heavy lift transport aircraft and infantry troops, defence forces have rescued more than 3,000 people in the quake-hit areas of Sikkim and efforts intensified to extricate people trapped under the debris of collapsed structures, senior officers said on Tuesday.

IAF has airlifted more than 500 troops there, including the medical and engineering teams and is conducting sorties of heavy lift transport aircraft and choppers from Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata and Bagdogra to ferry troops and ensure supply of medicines and food.

"There are eight to 13 helicopters which have been pressed into service in conjunction with the Air Force. 35 heavy engineering plant equipments have been deployed to restore roads and communication lines," Deputy Director General of Military Operations Brigadier Ranbir Singh said in Delhi on Tuesday.

Rescue efforts covering 62 villages and 20 medical centers have been set wherein over 370 people have been treated and 8 relief centers have been established where over 2700 people have been provided shelter, Singh said.

On rescue efforts in Mangan- epicenter of the quake which hit Sikkim on Sunday, he said, "281 troops have reached Mangan, including four medical and two engineering teams. A relief camp has been established there and communication teams are working to establish telephone lines."

The aircraft deployed includes two newly inducted heavyweight C-130 J which airlifted more than 200 personnel of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to Kolkata.

20 medical centers have been set up in the quake-affected areas in Sikkim and 11 cook houses to provide relief.