Gangtok Sept 3: Five persons were killed when debris from a landslide fell on their house at Mangchek in Namlung-Ralong village in South district, official sources said today.
The debris fell on the house on Saturday night killing four members of a family and a guest. While the bodies of the four of the deceased was recovered the next day, the last body was recovered today, the sources said.
The victims are: Chandra Bahadur Chettri (62), his wife Manipuri Kanchi (50), daughters Duka Devi Chettri (13), Tika Devi Chettri (7) and one Lall Bahadur Rai (15).
The only survivor from the family was the son, Devi Lal Chettri (15) who sustained grievous injuries and was brought to Namchi District hospital, they said.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ravangla, PK Rai said government officials, police and IRBn personnel with the help of locals rescued 15-year-old Devi Lall Chettri and recovered the 5 dead bodies.
He further informed that the landslide had also damaged several houses including the Ralong Secondary School.
Meanwhile the incessant rain has caused several other landslides under Ralong-Namlung gram panchayat, they said.
The road to Ralong has been damaged by several landslides. Essential supply lines have also been disrupted in the landslide-affected areas and torrential rains have also hampered rescue and restoration operations, sources informed.
Area MLA Sonam Gyasto Bhutia visited the affected areas.
