Sikkim flood toll now 19, bodies of seven Army personnel found: CM

Gangtok: The Sikkim flood toll rose to 19 on Friday, the dead including seven Army personnel, while 88 people continued to be missing, Chief Minister P S Tamang said here.
Tamang, who visited some of the affected areas and met victims, said 2500 people have been evacuated so far.
“19 bodies have been recovered to date. 23 Army personnel were reported to be missing, of whom one was found alive. Corpses of seven Army jawans have been found, and 15 are still missing. Search is also on for 88 missing civilians.,” he said.
“Till today 2500 victims of floods have been evacuated. Now we have 29 relief camps. We will be lifting the stranded tourists from Lachen and Lachung by helicopters,” said the Chief Minister, who was seen consoling some of the weeping victims. he also assured people of all assistance including restoration of houses.
“Rs 15 crores have been released for restoration work in Gangtok district. Rs 15 crores will be given to Pakyong district, and another Rs 10 crore to Namchi district shortly,” he said.
In the meantime, Sikkim Urja Ltd Executive Chairman S Saragogi issued a notification allocating Rs 25 crores for the restoration of Mangan District in North Sikkim.
On a request from the Army, the state government has alerted citizens in flood-affected areas to avoid touching any ammunition or explosives found along the Teesta basin, as those could