Sikkim quake: Christian agency aids 227 families, targets 2500

World Vision India has provided relief to over 200 families affected by the recent earthquake in Sikkim.

The Christian development agency this week said its Himalaya Area Development Programme has provided assistance to around 227 families in south Sikkim and Kalimpong. The victims are being provided with blankets and dry rations such as rice, lentils, cooking oil and salt, for the next 15 days.

World Vision is planning a second round of relief distribution in Dikchu and neighbouring villages. The relief will reach at least 100 families, and another 2500 in the coming weeks.

A team from World Vision is also carrying relief materials to the village of Bey in Upper Dzongu region. "They plan to assess the extent of damage and then decide on relief distribution," World Vision said.

"The mountainous terrain coupled with landslides and the remote location of the villages has made it difficult for teams to reach them," the relief agency rued.

The 6.9-magnitude earthquake on September 18 claimed more than 100 lives. Several hundreds are still believed to be stranded in the north districts of Sikkim.

Over 15,000 houses were razed to the ground and more than 1 lakh were partially damaged. Recurring landslides have made the matters worse across the state.

Meanwhile, the funeral service for the wife of a GFA-supported missionary who died in the earthquake was conducted this week.

Nirmala Tamang was crushed by a collapsing church wall while trying to escape the Sept. 18 quake.

"The entire Gospel for Asia family is saddened by the death of Nirmala," said KP Yohannan, Gospel for Asia President. "She faithfully worked alongside her husband to bring the love of Jesus to the people of Sikkim."

The quake completely destroyed two churches, and damaged ten others.

"The missionaries who serve as pastors of these churches will not let this slow them down. They will continue to worship the Lord and teach His Scriptures," Yohannan said.