Two died in lightning strike, heavy rains in Sikkim

Gangtok, June 3 (UNI) Two persons were killed and one injured in lightning at Rakshe on the Rakdong-Tintek constituency in East Sikkim.

The deceased were identified as Kanchi Lepcha (53) and Rinzing Choppel Bhutia (14).

The district administration announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 to the deceased's family members, official sources said.

Meanwhile, six houses in the constituency were damaged due to heavy rainfall and six other were on the verge of being washed away.

The people of the affected houses had been relocated to other areas by the administration, official sources said.

Besides, this area was without electricity and remained cut off from Gangtok due to landslides since yesterday. Local MLA Norzang Lepcha was touring the affected areas.

At least 20-25 houses were damaged due to heavy rainfall and trees were uprooted at several places in Rumtek, Sichey and Burtuk areas of Gangtok.

The Forest Department cleared all the uprooted trees and rehabilitation was in full swing, official sources said.

Meanwhile, Gangtok was facing severe power cut since yesterday evening.

The district administration assured to restore the power supply by today evening, however, it could take at least two-three days for the electricity to be restored.

UNI