Army recovered 76 bodies and rescued 206 tourists in September 18 quake-hit Sikkim

Siliguri, Sep 23: Lieutenant General Vinod Bhatia today said the Army have so far recovered 76 bodies and rescued 206 tourists in September 18 quake-hit Sikkim.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Bhatia said 40 helicopters had been pressed into service in the rescue and relief operation and added that copters were still making sorties.

However, the situation would take time to come to normal, he said adding at least 3000 jawans had been working on war-footing in the operation since Monday.

The Army was sparing no pains to reach succour to the affected, he said adding, ''We have been able to reach 100 villages, but still there might be a village where there has been no news so far.'' The Army was helping Sikkim police and Para-military force, he said adding eight reilef camps had been opened sheltering at least 2000 people.

Mr Bhatia also informed that two jawans had perished in the operation.

--UNI