Dentam:The landslides,triggered by heavy rains on the night of July31 have claimed three lives and severely damaged three houses at Den tam in West Sikkim.Although the onslaught of landslides began sometimes back on West Sikkim,this is the first instance when lives were lost of anyone this monsoon season.The downpour of last night spelled an incomprehensible tragedy for Kumar Pradhan,a resident of Dentam who lost his entire family including his wife Mingma Sherpa 35, his son Lalit pradhan(15), and his daughter Leela Pradhan (14) in the massive landslide sweeping away his house.Mr Pradhan himself suffered grievous injuries and at present undergoing medical treatment at Dentam PHC.
The slide completely swept away the house of his and that of his neighbour BhimBahadur Pradhan.The latter and his family somehow managed to escape unhurt but lost their poultry farm and two goats to the slide. They've been temporarily shifted to Veterinary office,Dentam.
The third house which was damage severely is that of KB Gurung at Bongtem about 5 km from Dentam towards Pelling.The slides took place sometimes around 2.30 a.m. morning of August01,when the heavy downpour of last night caused in excess water flow on the ongoing PMGSY road construction near Gumpa Dara swooped down.
Officials from District Administrative Center and Quick Response Team under Disaster Management department,West Sikkim reached the spot early in same morning and started relief measures.
The local people have taken the responsibilities of arranging last rites of three deceased.
