Earthquake unable to affect army operations in Sikkim

Kolkata, Sep 25: The Army's operation capabilities were unaffected in the forward positions of Sikkim after a 6.8 magnitude temblor ravaged the state's North District.

"The operation capabilities are not hampered. The artillery guns, ammunition and tanks are safe," Army sources said.

Apart from a few bunkers in the forward posts, there was no major structural damage as most facilities of the armed forces were made of wood and tin, they said.

"Some brick and concrete structures, however, have been damaged and a Board of Officers has been ordered to assess the damages," they said.

Immediately after the earthquake, there was a breakdown of communication relay network in some places of Sikkim but it was quickly restored, the sources said.

Nearly 5,500 personnel drawn from all across Sikkim and adjoining regions operational under Eastern Command were engaged in relief and rescue operations. But the exercise was being hampered by heavy rains.

GoC-in-C Eastern Command Lt Gen Bikaram Singh who was to visit Sikkim yesterday, had to postpone it for Sep 26 owing to inclement weather.

The sources said the Army Commander will visit the region on Sep 26 subject to the weather clearing.

Eastern Air Command's Senior Air Staff Officer Air Marshal M Matheswaran visited Air Force Station Bagdogra to take stock of the relief operations.

PTI