New Delhi: Over 10,000 food packets were air-dropped in the quake-hit areas of north Sikkim as two major roads connecting the region remained blocked due to landslides after Sunday’s powerful temblor.
Home Ministry officials on Friday said 10,000 food packets have been air-dropped so far in the northern part of North District while another 5000 food packets are ready for being sent to Chungthan, Lachung and Lachen. "15 helicopters of Army and Air Force have been pressed into relief work. For airdropping and reconnaissance, 150 sorties have been carried out so far," an official said.
While nine vital roads, including National Highway 31A and National Highway 55, have been reopened for traffic, two roads Chungthang Lachen and Chungthan Lachung continued to remain blocked due to landslide.
The number of deaths as reported by Sikkim government is 75.
The break-up of death toll is - East District-13, North District-57, West District-4 and one in South District-1. 32 persons have been hospitalized. Five teams of NDRF have been deployed for search and rescue operations at Shipgyar, Biha and Bringbang Ramam, Lingzya and Dzongu villages in Mangan.
Two teams of NDRF comprising 14 personnel and 16 personnel each are deployed at Chungthan and Lachung respectively.
Altogether 827 ITBP personnel are engaged in rescue operations and have also been running relief camps where rescued villagers have been given shelter.
Officials said the state government has opened 11 relief camps.
2700 and 550 people have been provided shelter into Army camps and ITBP camp (Pengong) respectively. 940 civilians have been treated at Military hospitals.
PTI