Meanwhile, rescue operations are on in the quake-hit areas of the state, where the army has dropped food and medical supply. Evacuation operations have also begun in Safu.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram also visited the quake-hit areas on Thursday to review the situation. He said that the prime motive was to provide relief to 5000-6000 in camps, and to restore connectivity and water supply.



On arrival Chidambaram visited the STNM hospital where he met the victims and their families. Post that he went to the Secretariat and met the Governor.

Chidambaram also took an aerial tour of the affected areas.

The Home Minister also stated, "The government will help in every way to restore normalcy in Sikkim. We have our sympathies with the victims and their families. Rs 50 crore have been released from the Centre for Sikkim. The Prime Minister will also visit the state soon."

On the ground, the death toll across Sikkim touched 74 on Thursday with several still injured and stranded. The town of Chungthang in North Sikkim is one of the worst affected.

Power in quake epicentre Mangan has been restored, but roads beyond the area have been badly affected making it difficult to reach the interiors. Medical teams are being flown in with food and medical supplies but nine villages still remain completely cut off.

The earthquake that shook Sikkim and adjoining states on Sunday has claimed 116 lives so far.