Severe Landslide in Sikkim's Gyalshing District Due to Heavy Rainfall

Landslide Devastation in Rimbi Village

Gangtok, Sept 25: A significant landslide, caused by relentless rainfall, has escalated in Sikkim's Gyalshing district, impacting residential areas in Rimbi village. At least two homes have been completely destroyed, while 32 additional houses and four government quarters are currently at risk, according to officials on Friday.

Fortunately, no casualties have been reported thus far, although numerous families have been compelled to evacuate. Many of those displaced are taking refuge at the Rimbi Panchayat Bhawan, while others have relocated to government-established relief camps or are staying with relatives.

The Yuksom-Rimbi region experienced 224.6 mm of rainfall within a 24-hour period, marking the highest rainfall recorded in Sikkim during this wet spell, officials noted.

The danger has extended beyond the initially identified vulnerable zones, with sludge-filled floodwaters encroaching on homes near Mit Khola. Authorities plan to conduct a thorough assessment of the damage to houses, property, and livestock once weather conditions permit relief teams to safely access the affected areas.

Connectivity has been severely disrupted, with debris and large boulders obstructing the Rimbi-Yuksam and Rimbi-Khecheopalri roadways within the Yuksom-Tashiding constituency.

A high-level delegation, including Area MLA and Minister Tshering T. Bhutia, Relief Commissioner Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, District Collector Tenzing D. Denzongpa, senior officials, and Panchayat leaders, visited the affected regions on Friday to meet with displaced residents.

Relief Commissioner Bhutia stated, “Immediate assistance will be provided to every affected family in strict adherence to disaster management protocols,” adding that short-term relief measures and fully equipped relief camps have been activated.

Minister Bhutia informed that Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has been updated on the situation and has assured comprehensive state support for relief and rehabilitation efforts.

In a formal statement issued on Friday, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang expressed profound concern regarding the ongoing emergency, underscoring that public safety is the government's utmost priority.

"I empathize with the distress and uncertainty faced by the residents," Tamang remarked, assuring affected families of the state's full support.

"The situation is critical, but the government is vigilantly monitoring the terrain and will continue to implement all necessary measures to safeguard our citizens. We stand with Rimbi,” he added, urging residents to remain alert, strictly follow official advisories, and support one another during this crisis.

The district administration is on high alert, closely monitoring the terrain and coordinating relief efforts, advising residents to avoid active landslide zones, swollen streams, and loose debris.

The Geyzing district administration is actively overseeing the situation, coordinating relief operations while urging residents to stay away from active landslide areas, swollen streams, and unstable debris, as ongoing rainfall poses a risk of further destruction across the fragile hillside.