Slides cut-off Melli bazaar, one dead

NAMO DIXIT

NAMCHI,: The incessant rainfall which started from Thursday evening has created extensive damage and one human casualty in Melli area under South Sikkim. Melli bazaar and its surrounding areas has been totally cut-off from other parts of Sikkim and neighbouring West Bengal with the road formations washed out.
Several wards under Melli like Kerabari, Kubindey, Chalisey, Melli bazaar and few more has faced severe problems and damage of property.
Officials from south district administration led by DC (South) M. Bharani Kumar accompanied by the concerned area MLA started the inspection of the area from 6 am Friday morning. Rescue and relief operation also started from early morning which was promptly conducted by personnel from police, fire and emergency services and district administration.
Several families were evacuated to safer places. The area including Melli bazaar is severely affected by the rainfall leading to slides, damage of properties and one casualty. As per the report, a middle-aged man working as a mechanic in Melli bazaar lost his life as the garage where he stayed was washed away by the rain-induced slide. His body was recovered from the debris by the search and rescue team in the morning hours.
Water supply lines and roads have been badly damaged with landslides occurring in several spots within the area.
The inspecting team the district administration led by the DC to walked around 7 km as the road blockages has caused transportation problem to reach the affected areas.
Majigaon under Melli bazar is extensively damaged, inspection and assessment is still underway in several places under the area.
The DC was accompanied by the area MLA along with the Chief Minister’s additional political secretary (south) for assessment of the landslide damages and monitor the rescue and relief works. The district officials have been directed to make door-to-door visit to take stock of the damage to private and public properties.