Gangtok, Jul 3 (PTI): Namchi District Collector Anupa Tamling on Friday directed all departments to launch relief and rehabilitation measures in flood-hit Lingi–Paiyong area, with priority on restoring road connectivity and essential services, officials said on Friday.
A flash flood caused by incessant rains occurred in the area on June 28, washing away bridges, damaging roads, and snapping the connection to many villages in the area.
The directions came during an emergency review meeting, a day after the district collector inspected the flood-affected areas.
According to a statement, the DC stressed that the situation required “the utmost urgency” and instructed all departments to work in close coordination to speed up relief and restoration efforts.
The collector directed clearing of landslide-hit roads, restoring connectivity and expediting temporary bridge construction.
The Forest Department was asked to identify timber for temporary log bridges and remove vulnerable trees posing risks to public safety, the statement said.
To ensure uninterrupted essential supplies, the Food and Civil Supplies Department was instructed to assess food grain stocks and coordinate the timely transportation of relief materials.
With schools set to reopen, officials were also directed to construct temporary log bridges at Kau Khola and arrange online classes in coordination with the Education and ICDS departments until normal access is restored.
The Health and Family Welfare Department was asked to establish a medical relief camp, prioritising pregnant women, children, senior citizens and other vulnerable residents.
Recognising Lingi’s importance as a major milk-producing area, the DC directed the Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Limited, in coordination with the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department, to set up a temporary milk collection centre to ensure uninterrupted procurement and transport.
The Agriculture Department was tasked with repairing damaged irrigation channels, assessing crop losses and extending assistance to affected farmers, while the Jal Jeevan Mission and Power Department were instructed to restore drinking water and electricity services without delay.
The DC also asked all departments to submit detailed status reports and emphasised the need for regular field inspections to identify potential hazards and prevent future disasters.
“The situation demands the utmost urgency. Relief, restoration and rehabilitation must remain our highest priorities, and all departments must work in close coordination to ensure early restoration of normalcy,” the collector said.
