Gangtok: At least 32 houses and four government quarters have been damaged in Rimbi village of West Sikkim following recurring landslides and flash floods triggered by intense monsoon rainfall, forcing several families to move to safer locations.
The situation first emerged on August 13, when two houses were affected. However, a major spell of rainfall the following day caused extensive damage, affecting around 30 more houses. Several small wooden and semi-pucca structures have been completely damaged, with household belongings also lost.
Sikkim Disaster Relief Commissioner Rinzing Chewang, who surveyed the affected village on September 25, said Rimbi could become uninhabitable because of the recurring landslide from Singlitam.
“Rimbi may be uninhabitable after the recurring landslide from Singlitam. We have shifted affected residents to the Gram Prasasan Kendra, with 107 people currently accommodated at the relief camp. Nine houses in Singlitam have also been evacuated, with those residents shifted to a relief camp in Singlitam,” Chewang said.
He said Rimbi was no longer considered habitable, including areas with reinforced concrete (RCC) structures.
A geological survey will be conducted after the monsoon to study the landslide and determine its causes through a multidisciplinary assessment involving various government departments, Chewang said.
Families whose houses have been completely damaged will receive Rs 1.3 lakh, while compensation for other forms of damage will be provided according to government norms.
Under the Sikkim Housing Scheme, families who have lost land will be provided land and a house, while those who retain their land will receive support for housing construction.
Yuksom recorded 130.6 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours. Rimbi village falls under the Yuksom subdivision.
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