Kolkata, Sept 18: The West Bengal government tonight asked the Army to assist civil authorities, if needed, in relief and rescue work in Darjeeling and some other quake-hit North Bengal districts.
“I have talked to the army authorities here and requested them to provide help if necessary,” chief secretary Samar Ghosh told PTI.
“I have heard that one person has died in Kalimpong after he suffered injuries from falling bricks. But there is no confirmation in this regard,” he said.
“So far there has been no report of any damage though cracks have developed in some houses,” he said as power lines snapped in Darjeeling and Kalimpong where the tremors were mainly felt.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said there have been damage in Darjeeling Hills “but hopefully not on the scale that has happened in Sikkim.”
She said efforts were on to restore power supply in the hill areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
“Darjeeling district magistrate has already been asked to assess whether there has been any damage to any building or household in the hills,” Banerjee said, adding that necessary assistance will be provided in case of any damage.
“There is no report of any casualty so far. Darjeeling and Kalimpong are now in total darkness,” Banerjee said.
“I have talked to Sikkim Chief Minister and told him we stand by the people of Sikkim at this hour as neighbours”, she said. PTI
