Sikkim's Rimbi Village Faces 'Uninhabitable' Tag as Landslides Worsen
Sikkim may declare Rimbi village uninhabitable after landslides damaged 32 houses; 107 people are in relief camps.
Rimbi village in West Sikkim is likely to be declared uninhabitable following a series of flash floods and recurring landslides that have damaged at least 32 houses, four government quarters and several smaller wooden and semi-pucca structures.
The situation has deteriorated since August, when the steep slopes of Singlitam began sliding downhill. On August 13, only two houses were affected, but a major spell of rainfall the next day pushed that number to 30. Floodwaters carrying heavy mud and debris have now begun to reach areas near Mit Khola that were previously considered relatively safe.
Sikkim Disaster Relief Commissioner Rinzing Chewang, who surveyed the village on September 25, said Rimbi may no longer be habitable because of the continuing landslide from Singlitam. He said 107 people have been shifted to relief camps at the Gram Prasasan Kendra, while nine houses in Singlitam have also been evacuated and their residents moved to a camp there. Chewang added that even areas with RCC structures are no longer considered safe, and that a geological survey will be conducted after the monsoon through a multidisciplinary assessment involving various departments.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang described the situation as serious and said the safety and well-being of residents remain the government's foremost priority. He said directions have been issued to authorities to stay on high alert, monitor affected areas closely and take all possible steps to ensure public safety, while expressing sympathy for the distress faced by affected families.
The state government will provide Rs 1.3 lakh as compensation to families whose houses were completely destroyed, and will compensate other damages as per norms. Under the Sikkim Housing Scheme, families who have lost land will receive land and a house, while those who retain land will be supported with housing construction.
With hill slopes still unstable and rainfall showing little sign of easing, residents fear another heavy spell could cause further destruction.