Sikkim earthquake causes Rs 1 lakh crore loss

Gangtok, Sep 21: Sikkim has suffered a loss of Rs 1 Lakh crore following the disastrous 6.8 magnitude earthquake, said Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister, Sikkim and President of Sikkim's ruling party Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF).

He also said that the state will take several months to overcome the tragedy and feared that the number of death tolls could rise as nine villages in North Sikkim were cut off due to damaged roads and constant landslides.

"Over 300 injured are getting treatment in various hospitals and control rooms have been established in all the four districts. Water lines have been damaged and so is the power supply. Over 2000 houses have been completely damaged and over one lakh houses have sustained damages," said Chamling.

"We are trying to assess the actual damage and expect to complete the assessment in 10 days and submit the report to the Central Government," said Chamling adding that the state also expected that Rahul Gandhi, AICC General Secretary who is currently touring the state would help them.

The Union Ministry claimed that atleast 400 foreign tourist were still trapped in the quake hit North Sikkim.

Meanwhile, the CM also announced a compensation Rs 5 lakh to the family of those died in the earthquake and Rs 50, 000 to those injured in the disastrous earthquake that struck the North-East on Sep 18.

He also thanked the central government for their support.

OneIndia News