Gyalshing: At least 32 houses and four government quarters in Rimbi village of West Sikkim are facing the threat of being buried or submerged under mud, sand and debris as recurring flash floods and landslides continue to destabilise the Singlitam hillock above the village.
Intense and incessant rainfall over the past two days has triggered fresh flash floods and mudslides in the area, damaging homes and disrupting road connectivity. The Rimbi-Yuksam and Rimbi-Khecheopalri roads remain closed as flooding and landslides continue to affect the area.
A recurring mudslide that began on September 12, carrying large boulders, mud and debris into Rimbi village, has worsened following the latest spell of heavy rainfall in the state.
Several families have already been forced to leave their homes, with most either staying at relief camps arranged by the Geyzing district administration or taking shelter with relatives. Residents of most of the 32 affected houses have been shifted to the Rimbi Panchayat Bhawan.
The situation has been developing since August, with the steep slopes of Singlitam continuing to slide downhill towards settlements below. Even houses near Mit Khola, previously considered relatively safe, are now being affected by floodwaters carrying large quantities of mud and debris.
The landslide has also completely blocked the road connecting Rimbi and Khechuperi under the Yuksom-Tashiding constituency, bringing traffic movement to a standstill. Two houses near the affected stretch have also been reported to be at risk as slope instability persists.
With rainfall continuing, residents remain apprehensive about further landslides, road blockages and damage to homes, farmland and vital infrastructure.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Friday expressed concern over the situation in Rimbi following severe landslides amid continuing heavy rainfall.
In a statement, Tamang said the situation remained serious and that the safety and well-being of residents were the government’s foremost priority.
He said necessary directions had been issued to the concerned authorities to remain on high alert, closely monitor affected areas and take all possible measures to ensure public safety.
“I understand the deep distress and uncertainty being faced by the residents,” Tamang said, extending his thoughts and prayers to families affected by the landslides.
He urged residents to remain vigilant during the torrential rain, follow official advisories and support one another.
“The Government is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to take all necessary steps to protect our people,” he said.
The Geyzing district administration remains on high alert, monitoring the situation and providing relief to affected families. Authorities have evacuated vulnerable households and advised residents to stay away from active landslide zones, debris accumulation areas and streams during periods of heavy rainfall.
With the hill slopes continuing to destabilise and rainfall showing little sign of easing, residents fear that further heavy rain could trigger more destruction.
“We stand with Rimbi,” Tamang said.
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