<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Georgia","serif""><b>RORATHANG,:</b> The alertness and swift action of a cop helped avert a potential
tragedy on Tuesday morning when a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall struck
the Rangpo-Rorathang road at Chamarey, about 3 km from Rorathang in Pakyong
district.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Large
boulders and debris came crashing down from a hillside onto the roadway,
completely blocking traffic on the busy stretch. However, the timely intervention
of Naik Suk BahadurTamang, attached to the Rorathang Police Outpost, ensured
that no vehicles were caught in the landslide and no casualties were reported.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Tamang
had just completed his night duty and was on his way home to 4th Mile, Bhasmey,
when he noticed rocks beginning to fall from the hillside at around 9:30 am - 9:35
am. Realising the imminent danger, he immediately stopped vehicles approaching
from both directions and guided motorists away from the vulnerable stretch.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">“I
had finished my night duty and was returning home at around 9:00 am, While on
my way, at about 9:30 am–9:35 am, I noticed stones falling from the hillside.
Vehicles were approaching the area at that time, so I immediately stopped them.
I signalled to vehicles from both sides and directed them away from the danger
zone, showing them an alternative route. Because the vehicles were stopped in
time, no accident occurred,” Tamang said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">He
said he was riding his scooter when he first spotted the rocks tumbling down
the slope moments before the landslide occurred.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">“I
was riding my scooter when I first saw the rocks falling. The landslide
happened shortly afterwards,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">A
video showing Tamang warning motorists and preventing vehicles from entering
the danger zone has since gone viral on social media, earning widespread
appreciation for his presence of mind and dedication to duty even while off
duty. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Tamang
clarified that the video was recorded independently by Ayush, a driver employed
with Lupin Company.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">“The
video that has been circulating on social media was recorded by Ayush, a driver
working for Lupin Company. I did not ask <a name="_GoBack"></a>him to record
the video; he did so on his own,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">The
landslide occurred amid continuous rainfall in the region, which is believed to
have loosened the slope and triggered the fall of boulders. According to
Tamang, road restoration may take time as loose rocks remain on the hillside
above the affected stretch.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">“The
road has been damaged, and it may take some time to clear because there are
still loose rocks above that could continue to fall. Work on the road will have
to be carried out carefully,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Authorities
have advised commuters to avoid the affected route and use alternative roads
until the debris is cleared and the area is declared safe for traffic.
Clearance operations are underway.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">While
the landslide disrupted traffic movement along the Rangpo–Rorathang road, the
quick thinking and decisive action of Naik Suk BahadurTamang ensured that a
potentially devastating incident ended without any loss of life or injury.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">At
present, computers are taking alternate route from Rorathangto Rangpo via Pacheykhani-
Padamchey - 4th Mile.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">According
to the GREF officials, the clearance of the road may take Wednesday afternoon
if the weather remains clear. Boulders are still falling on the landslides area
due to which there are difficulties in restoration work, the officials
informed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN"> </span></p>
from
www.sikkimexpress.com
https://ift.tt/towC9RJ
via IFTTT
The Menu of this blog is loading..........
0 Comments