400 people rescued; efforts on to restore connectivity:ITBP DG

New Delhi, Sept 19 (PTI) The Indo-Tibetan Border Police
(ITBP) said on Monday that it has rescued about 400 people
from earthquake hit areas in North Sikkim and taken them to
safe locations.
Over 25 tourists, including many foreigners, were also
taken to safe places and the road connectivity in the
worst-hit Pegong area is likely to be restored soon.
"There has been no loss of life. However, there has been
a loss of property. People have been rendered homeless. About
700 personnel are roped in for the rescue mission," ITBP
Director General Ranjit Sinha told reporters here.
He said villages near Pegong were drastically affected in
the 6.8 Richter scale quake that jolted most of the northern
states.
"We have rescued 400 people. They are being provided food
and other basic amenities there. 26 tourists, both domestic
and international, were also taken to safe places," Sinha said
briefing relief works.
The ITBP chief pointed out difficulties arising due to
inclement weather in the affected areas and hoped that the
connecting roads would be restored soon.
"It has been raining since last night. Our boys are
facing difficulties in restoring basic facilities. Telephone
and power supply have been disrupted. The roads will be
connected soon," the DG said.
Sinha said that two mess and family accommodation inside
its 11th Battalion headquarters in Pegong were damaged in
earthquake.
"We are assisting State Administration. Our men are
coordinating with National Disaster Response Force also. We
will be providing all help with whatever facility available
with us to help people and the Sikkim Government," he said.
At least 50 people, including 23 in Sikkim, have been
killed in the powerful earthquake.