Sikkim CM Announces Rs 5 Lakh Compensation After 9 Killed, Several Injured In Rain-Induced Landslides

Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang announced that the government will provide Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased and will rebuild the houses that were destroyed in the calamity.

The incessant rains and landslides in Sikkim have caused massive damage to the northeastern state, claiming the lives of nine people, while leaving several others injured. The rainfall-trigerred landslides have also damaged the properties and disrupted road connectivity, mobile networks, food and power supplies in many areas. Around 1,200 tourists, including 15 foreigners were stranded in the Himalayan state due to the landslides. 

Amidst this, the newly-elected Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang chaired a high level meeting on Friday to take stock of the situation, and announced today that the state will provide Rs 5 lakh compensation to the families of the deceased. He also stated that the state government will rebuild the homes of those whose properties were swept away and destroyed. 

Sikkim CM added that 67 families have been relocated so far.

"This is a sad incident, in Mangan 6 people have died and in Majuwa due to landslide 3 have died and several are injured. Several houses have also been damaged. A total of 67 families have been relocated," Sikkim CM said.

CM Tamang also stated that he has informed the Centre about the losses and requested "immediate funds to aid response."

"I have informed the central government about the extensive losses and have requested immediate funds to aid our response. With road closures and the inability to move heavy vehicles, we are facing a surge in food prices and commodity shortages," he said.

Assuring that the matter is being dealt with seriousness, the Sikkim CM said: "We are taking these matters very seriously and have sought help from the centre...We are providing Rs 5 lakhs in compensation to the families of the deceased. We will also rebuild the homes of those whose properties have been destroyed or swept away."

During the meeting, the CM directed the officials to oversee the situation closely and expedite the process to reestablish the connectivity and relief efforts.  He also urged the officials to conduct a continuous assessment of the areas that were affected the most in order to identify the critical issues and resond accordingly, news agency PTI reported.

CM Tamang also appealed to the people of Sikkim to stay alert, cooperate with the authorities, and follow safety guidelines to overcome the situation and restore calm and normalcy in the state.