Landslide displaces three families

GEYZING, : Incessant overnight rains triggered a massive landslide at Khorung under Yangthang constituency in Geyzing district, displacing three families and partially damaging several houses. 

The district administration shifted the affected families to a safer location after their houses were either damaged or at risk of collapsing. Homes belonging to BimalaGurung, Roman Gurung, BirendraGurung and N.B. Gurung suffered partial damage in the incident. 

The landslide also blocked the Pelling-Dentam road as large amounts of debris covered stretches of the road at Khorung. Restoration work has been taken up on a war footing with additional machinery and manpower being deployed, officials said, adding that the road is expected to be cleared by Friday evening. 

Electricity supply in Khorung and adjoining areas has been snapped as several lines got damaged in the slide. 

District collector Tenzing D. Denzongpa, who inspected the affected area along with officials, directed immediate relief measures and prioritisation of road clearance work. He said essential relief materials would be distributed soon and ex-gratia provided after assessment of damages. 

Local organisations have also extended support to the affected families, while villagers voiced fears over frequent landslides in the area, blaming unregulated construction activities.