Earthquake Toll Rises To 40, Rains Hampering Rescue Work In Sikkim

The death toll in the powerful earthquake rose to 40 with 19 people being killed in Sikkim, five in West Bengal, seven each in Nepal and Tibet even as rescue and relief operations were today stepped up in the affected areas.

Over a hundred people have been injured in the 6.8 magnitude tremblor which has caused extensive damage to buildings and roads in Sikkim and several other places.

The casualties have occurred mostly in the North District and in towns and villages like Rangpo, Dikchu, Singtam and Chungthang located along the course of Teesta river, they said.

In Gangtok, power was restored this morning. Residents had spent the night outside their houses fearing aftershocks.

From: http://ping.fm/3yqRf