GANGTOK, Sept 19 - The residents of Yuksam in West Sikkim district have been severely affected by a cloudburst with many of them losing their homes, farms and animals.
The cloudburst, which struck Tsong village near Hungri Gumpa on Monday, has left behind a trail of devastation. More than 100 people have been shifted to a relief camp set up near the Yuksam police checkpoint. Rescue operations are still going on.
According to officials, it may take a year to rehabilitate the victims. A lot of property has been destroyed and numerous livestock have perished in the landslides triggered by the cloudburst.
Almost all the residents of the affected area have been evacuated. Yuksam has been disconnected with the rest of the country since Monday.
Some of the affected people have taken shelter in Hotel Yuksam Residency and Hotel Dragon.
Meanwhile, the SDM of Yuksam has asked the people to contact the district administration for help.
