Life in quake-hit north Bengal is limping back to normal following restoration of communication links and power even as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee left by road for neighbouring Sikkim on Tuesday morning to visit the quake-devastated state and provide support.
“The weather has improved today and relief and rescue operations are in full swing in the affected areas,” West Bengal ADG (Law and Order) Surojit Kar Purokayastha said.
There is no further report of any casualty from the quake-hit north Bengal districts, where nine deaths have been reported till yesterday, he said.
Ms. Banerjee left for Sikkim after personally overseeing relief and rescue operations in north Bengal on Monday.
NH-31A, the lifeline of Sikkim, was reopened last evening after clearing quake—triggered landslides at several places between Siliguri and Gangtok.
“The Chief Minister has started for Sikkim to extend all help to the people there. West Bengal has already sent food and medical aid to Sikkim,” Union Minister of State for Shipping Mukul Roy, who is accompanying her, said.
He said Banerjee will visit Gangtok and places on the way which bore the brunt of Sunday’s temblor of 6.8-magnitude.
The Chief Minister took stock of the situation in a series of meetings with senior officials to ensure speedy rescue and relief operations, treatment of the injured people and restoration of communication lines in the affected districts, official sources said.
