Gangtok: Tragedy struck Upper Rimbi in Yangthang Constituency, West Sikkim, at midnight when a massive landslide claimed three lives and left three others missing.
According to Geyzing SP Tshering Sherpa, the deceased have been identified as Bhim Prasad Limboo (53), his sister Anita Limboo (46), and his son-in-law Bimal Rai (50). Initially, seven-year-old Anjal Rai was also feared dead, but in a late update, officials confirmed that she was found alive, bringing a glimmer of relief amid the devastation.
Two injured women were rescued in a daring operation where police, SSB jawans, disaster management teams, and villagers built a makeshift tree-log bridge over the flooded Hume River. Both were rushed to the District Hospital in Geyzing, but one later succumbed to her injuries. The other remains in critical condition.
Minister for Buildings & Housing and Labour Department, and local MLA, Bhim Hang Limboo, rushed to the site around 2 AM to oversee rescue operations. He acknowledged the challenges posed by torrential rains and damaged roads but said coordinated efforts made it possible to evacuate the victims.
Search operations continue for the three still missing. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain on high alert as heavy rainfall persists across the region.
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