Nine people die, over 1,200 tourists stranded during last three days due to landslides: Sikkim chief secretary

Gangtok (Sikkim) [India], June 14 : Sikkim Chief Secretary Vijay Bhushan Pathak said on Friday that nine people have died in the last three days due to two landslides in the state.
Pathak said that around 1,200-1,400 tourists are also stranded in the Mangan district of the state.
"In the last 3 days, Sikkim has witnessed 2 natural calamities: a landslide in Namchi district in which 3 people lost their lives, and similarly, a landslide happened on the intervening nights of June 12 and 13 in Mangan district in which six people lost their lives," the Chief Secretary said in a press conference on Friday.
"It is expected that around 1200-1400 are struck in Mangan district. The restoration of road communication may take five to seven days, " he added.
Pathak said that they have sent a requisition for Air Force helicopters for the evacuation of tourists.
"We have sent the requisition for Air Force helicopters on behalf of the Sikkim government. As soon as the weather becomes suitable for flying, the evacuation of tourists will start," he said.
"Gratuitous relief is being given to the families of deceased people. For those who are severely injured, their treatment is going on in hospitals," the Chief Secretary added.