Sikkim Chief Secretary VB Pathak on Monday briefed the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) about the relief and rescue measures being implemented in the Northeastern State that has been affected by a devastating flash flood. Pathak informed the Committee that road connectivity had been established in most of the areas and that as a result of improvement in weather conditions, it has become possible to start evacuation and air lifting of stranded people.
80 people have been evacuated on Monday morning, he said.
The Cabinet Secretariat, New Delhi mentioned in a press release that the CS also told NCMC that more than 6,800 people have taken shelter in the 28 relief camps that have been established.
The National Crisis Management Committee, headed by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, held a review meeting of the relief and rescue measures of the Central Agencies and Government of Sikkim.
Also in the meeting, the Director General, India Meteorological Department, informed the Committee that weather forecast is likely to remain favorable from 11th to 13th October.
The Director General of National Disaster Response Force briefed the NCMC that six teams have been deployed in the state for rescue and relief operations. Further, three reserve teams of NDRF are available on standby at Siliguri. Adequate number of teams and assets of Army and Air Force have been deployed to assist the state in rescue and restoration efforts.
The Home Secretary said that that the situation is being monitored 24×7 by the Central Government at highest level. He informed the Committee that Inter Ministerial Coordination Team (IMCT) has reached Sikkim to take stock of the situation. Necessary additional central assistance is being released to the Government of Sikkim.
According to the Cabinet Secretariat, Cabinet Secretary Gauba emphasized that the evacuation of people in shortest possible time should be the priority for Government of Sikkim and Central Agencies. Bailey Bridges should be launched on priority to restore road connectivity for the people where bridges have been washed away. The Cabinet Secretary assured that Central Government shall provide all possible support and assistance for the State.
