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The ITBP has engaged 700 personnel for relief and rescue operations in quake-hit Sikkim. The paramilitary force that has suffered as a result of the quake in terms of damaged buildings has rescued 400 persons so far and recovered 10 bodies from the debris. The force is also taking steps to revive road connectivity damaged by the quake that hit the State last evening.
The rescued persons, including 26 domestic and foreign tourists, have been taken to safe locations, mostly facilities of the paramilitary. Director General of ITBP, Ranjit Sinha, said, "We have rescued 400 people. They are being provided food and other basic amenities there. Twenty-six tourists, both domestic and international, were also taken to safe places," Sinha told reporters here briefing about the relief works being undertaken by the force.
The ITBP chief pointed out that the force's personnel were facing difficulties in carrying out rescue operations due to the inclement weather in the affected areas and hoped that the connecting roads would be restored soon. Villages near Pegong were drastically affected in the 6.8 magnitude quake that jolted most of the northern States, Sinha said.
The DG further said, "It has been raining since last night. Our boys are facing difficulties in restoring basic facilities. Telephone and power supply have also been disrupted. The roads will be connected soon."
Sinha said that two mess and family accommodation inside its 11th Battalion headquarters in Pegong were damaged in the earthquake. "We are assisting the State Administration. Our men are coordinating with the National Disaster Response Force too. We will be providing all help with whatever facility available with us to help people and the Sikkim Government," he said.
The powerful quake had at least 50 lives, 23 of whom were in Sikkim. Casualties have also been reported from West Bengal, Bihar and neighbouring Nepal.
The rescued persons, including 26 domestic and foreign tourists, have been taken to safe locations, mostly facilities of the paramilitary. Director General of ITBP, Ranjit Sinha, said, "We have rescued 400 people. They are being provided food and other basic amenities there. Twenty-six tourists, both domestic and international, were also taken to safe places," Sinha told reporters here briefing about the relief works being undertaken by the force.
The ITBP chief pointed out that the force's personnel were facing difficulties in carrying out rescue operations due to the inclement weather in the affected areas and hoped that the connecting roads would be restored soon. Villages near Pegong were drastically affected in the 6.8 magnitude quake that jolted most of the northern States, Sinha said.
The DG further said, "It has been raining since last night. Our boys are facing difficulties in restoring basic facilities. Telephone and power supply have also been disrupted. The roads will be connected soon."
Sinha said that two mess and family accommodation inside its 11th Battalion headquarters in Pegong were damaged in the earthquake. "We are assisting the State Administration. Our men are coordinating with the National Disaster Response Force too. We will be providing all help with whatever facility available with us to help people and the Sikkim Government," he said.
The powerful quake had at least 50 lives, 23 of whom were in Sikkim. Casualties have also been reported from West Bengal, Bihar and neighbouring Nepal.
