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| September 24, 2012 | Sikkim - a year after an earthquake | | Gangtok: A year since the high-intensity quake devastated Sikkim, the situation is returning to normal. The residents paid their respects to those who lost their lives in the calamity. Over 100 people had died and nearly half the state was badly affected. Roads were damaged, ancient monasteries were destroyed and both the
army and paramilitary forces stepped in for relief efforts. Thousands were left
homeless and several people lost their near and dear ones. A year has passed,
but the day is still fresh in the memories of those who were affected by the earthquake.
Thousands of people gathered in the market square of Gangtok and offered prayers
to the departed on the first anniversary of quake. Ironically, a small jolt hit
Sikkim again, but no one was affected. Speaking to media, Santosh, one of the
residents, said, “We have come here to pay respect and tribute to the victims
of last year’s quake.” Life has now returned to normal in Sikkim . The students
are back in schools and people are busy with their work. The tourism industry,
the worst affected by the September 18 quake, has recovered too. Markets are bustling
with customers and tour operators are doing good business with both national and
international visitors coming to Sikkim to experience its beauty. Bhanu Pratap,
President, Sikkim Hotel & Restaurant Association, said, “Soon after the earthquake,
we lost the tourist business but during summers, we picked up the business. We
have seen lots of changes now in tourist business, and we have improved a lot.”
The authorities in Sikkim are working closely with different Disaster Management
agencies to minimize losses if such catastrophes occur again. They recently organized
a conference where people from different states participated and shared their
experiences on the issue.
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