Sikkim's Rimbi Village on Edge as Landslides Threaten 32 Homes

Rimbi village in West Sikkim is confronting a worsening disaster, with 32 houses and four government quarters at risk of being buried or submerged under mud, sand and debris carried down by recurring flash floods and landslides from the unstable Singlitam hillock above the settlement.

Heavy rainfall over the past two days has triggered fresh flash floods and mudslides, damaging homes and severing road links. The Rimbi-Yuksam and Rimbi-Khecheopalri roads remain closed, and the landslide has completely blocked the road connecting Rimbi and Khecheopalri in the Yuksom-Tashiding constituency, halting traffic. Two houses near the affected stretch are also reported to be at risk as slope instability persists.

Mudslides have struck the village repeatedly since September 12, carrying large boulders and debris, and the latest spell of intense rain has aggravated the situation. The Yuksom-Rimbi area recorded 224.6 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, the highest in the state.

Most residents of the affected houses have been moved to the Rimbi Panchayat Bhawan, while several families have abandoned their homes and are either staying in relief camps set up by the Geyzing district administration or sheltering with relatives. The crisis has been building since August as the steep slopes of Singlitam continued to slide downhill. Even houses near Mit Khola, earlier considered relatively safe, are now being affected by floodwaters carrying mud and debris.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang expressed deep concern over the situation in Rimbi, in Gyalshing district, saying it remained serious and that the safety of residents was the government's foremost priority. He said directions had been issued to authorities to stay on high alert, monitor affected areas closely and take all possible steps to ensure public safety.

"I understand the deep distress and uncertainty being faced by the residents," he said, extending his thoughts and prayers to the affected families. He urged people to remain vigilant during the torrential rain, follow official advisories and support one another, adding that the government was closely monitoring the situation.

The Geyzing district administration remains on high alert, providing relief to affected families. Authorities have previously evacuated vulnerable households and advised residents to stay away from active landslide zones, debris accumulation areas and streams during heavy rain. With hill slopes continuing to destabilise and rainfall showing little sign of easing, residents fear another spell could bring further destruction.