Gangtok: Rescue work has been suspended in Sikkim due to thick fog and heavy clouds. There were reports of multiple landslides in North Sikkim after heavy rains in the area.
Officials say that the critical stage of the rescue operation is almost over and the death toll in Sunday's earthquake has mounted to 117, out of which 75 people have died in Sikkim alone.
In fact, the state experienced another earthquake on Thursday night measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale.
Locals panicked, many rushed out into the streets, but no casualties have been reported.
Union Home Minister P Chidambaram also visited the quake-hit areas on Thursday to review the situation. He said that the prime motive was to provide relief to 5000-6000 in camps, and to restore connectivity and water supply.
On arrival Chidambaram visited the STNM hospital where he met the victims and their families. Post that he went to the Secretariat and met the Governor.
Chidambaram also took an aerial tour of the affected areas.
The Home Minister also stated, "The government will help in every way to restore normalcy in Sikkim. We have our sympathies with the victims and their families. Rs 50 crore have been released from the Centre for Sikkim. The Prime Minister will also visit the state soon."
On the ground, the death toll across Sikkim touched 74 on Thursday with several still injured and stranded. The town of Chungthang in North Sikkim is one of the worst affected.
Power in quake epicentre Mangan has been restored, but roads beyond the area have been badly affected making it difficult to reach the interiors. Medical teams are being flown in with food and medical supplies but nine villages still remain completely cut off.
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