Gangtok, Sept 25: A major landslide triggered by continuous heavy rainfall has caused extensive damage in Rimbi village in Gyalshing district of Sikkim, affecting more than 30 houses and forcing several families to move to safer locations.
The landslide occurred on Thursday night, September 24, as large quantities of mud, rocks and debris from the upper slopes moved towards inhabited areas. Several houses were damaged, while government quarters of the Power Department were also affected.
No casualties have been reported so far.
The incident has raised concerns among residents as continuous rainfall increases the risk of further landslides. Local roads and connectivity have also been disrupted by the debris.
Authorities Begin Damage Assessment
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Gangtok, has launched an extensive assessment of rain-related damage across the district.
A multi-agency team led by Kabi Tingda MLA Tshering T Bhutia, along with DDMA officials, Roads & Bridges Department engineers, the Ranka Block Development Officer and revenue officials, inspected several affected locations.
The team assessed landslide-affected areas, blocked roads, mud and debris flows and damage to residential structures.
Several locations, including the Luing–Ranka Highway near Bojoghari, Lower Bojoghari, Lingding, High Court Road, TNA Gate, VIP Colony, Upper Z-Bojoghari, Pangthang–Lingdok Road, Pamro Gaon, Ling Perbing, Upper and Middle Luing, Phenzong, Ranka, Rakdong Tintek, Daragaon Upper Burtuk, Sichey and Arithang, were inspected.
Several road stretches remain obstructed, affecting vehicular movement. Public infrastructure, including the Sewage Treatment Plant at Sichey, has also suffered damage.
Debris accumulation near the Enchey School 33/11 kV Switching Station has been identified as a potential safety hazard.
As a precaution, tarpaulins have been placed over vulnerable slide zones to reduce further rainwater seepage. Authorities have directed departments to clear roads and debris, restore connectivity, assess damages and provide assistance to affected residents.
CM Prem Singh Tamang Assures Support
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang expressed concern over the situation in Rimbi and assured residents that the government was closely monitoring the developments.
In a Facebook post, the Chief Minister said the safety and well-being of people remained the government's foremost priority and that necessary directions had been issued to concerned authorities to remain on high alert.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant, follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel through landslide-prone areas.
Authorities have particularly advised residents living near unstable slopes to watch for cracks, slope movement and falling debris and immediately report any warning signs.
With heavy rainfall continuing, residents fear further mudslides and damage, while calls for immediate relief, restoration of connectivity and safety measures for vulnerable families have intensified.
