Despair and hope in the hills and plains of Sikkim and north Bengal

Heavy rain, mudslide, cause devastation in Pakyong village 

EOI, PAKYONG, JUNE 11, 2024 :  The heavy rainfall on the night of June 10 in Thek village, Parakha Block, in Pakyong, has brought about devastating consequences, causing extensive damage to properties and endangering public safety. 

The relentless downpour in the locality has triggered erosion along the river bank, compromising the structural integrity of many, rendering them unfit for human occupation. Two houses were completely destroyed and about 10 others wer

e badly damaged. Responding to the urgent need for assistance, two relief camps have been established to provide shelter and aid to the affected residents.

The Latuk Primary School and the house of Bishnu Maya Rai and Roshan Rai have been designated as shelters for the displaced people. The loss of livestock during the calamity has also been significant, 

The destructive force of the floodwaters swept away three bridges along the Maltini River, snapping the only connection to Thek Village and isolating its inhabitants from essential services and support networks. 

The land adjacent to the Maltini River has borne the brunt of severe erosion at multiple sites, causing significant alterations to the natural course of the river and posing further risks to the surrounding area. 

A joint inspection was carried out on Tuesday under the directive of DC Pakyong to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate relief efforts. MLA Gnathang Machong Pamin Lepcha, members of the Zilla Panchayat and Panchay at Latuk Thek, SDM Pakyong and other senior officials were present. 

Pamin Lepcha asked for the formation of an assessment group to examine the terrain uphill along the Maltini River from the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation of India Road construction site. She also asked for the quick restoration of the water and electricity supplies, as well as the accessibility of the roads.