Sikkim's Rimbi village hit by major landslide; CM Tamang calls situation serious

A major landslide struck Rimbi village in Sikkim's Gyalshing district on Thursday night, triggered by continuous rainfall that sent mud, rocks and debris sweeping down from the upper slopes towards residential areas. Several houses and government quarters were damaged, and no casualties have been reported so far.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang described the situation as "serious" and said the safety of the people remained the foremost priority. In a post on X, he said directions had been issued to authorities to stay on high alert, monitor the situation closely and take every possible measure to protect the public. He expressed sympathy for the affected families, acknowledging the distress and uncertainty they face.

More than 30 houses are reported to have been affected. With the downpour having left soil along the mountain slopes unstable, residents fear a larger landslide could occur, and some have begun moving essential belongings out of their homes. Local accounts describe disrupted connectivity, with commuters forced to negotiate mud-covered roads. The weather forecast for Friday indicated the likelihood of further rain in the state.

Meanwhile, the District Disaster Management Authority has launched an extensive damage assessment following rain-related incidents across the district. A multi-agency team led by Kabi Tingda MLA Tshering T Bhutia, along with officials from the DDMA, the Roads and Bridges Department, the Ranka Block Development Officer, councillors and revenue surveyors, inspected affected locations on Wednesday and Thursday.

The inspections covered landslide-hit areas, road blockages, mud and debris flows and damage to residential structures at locations including stretches of 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.

Several road stretches remain blocked, affecting vehicular movement, and public infrastructure has been damaged, including the Sewage Treatment Plant at Sichey. Debris accumulation near the Enchey School 33/11 kV Switching Station has been identified as a potential hazard. As a precaution, tarpaulins have been placed over vulnerable slide zones to prevent further rainwater seepage.

The District Collector and DDMA Chairman have directed the concerned departments to clear roads and debris, restore connectivity, assess the damage and provide assistance to affected residents. People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel through landslide-prone areas and to remain alert, particularly at night. Residents living near unstable slopes have been asked to watch for cracks, slope movement and falling debris and to report any warning signs immediately.