Major Landslide Damages 32 Houses In Sikkim's Rimbi Village After Heavy Rainfall
No casualties reported; the Yuksom-Rimbi area recorded 224.6 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, the highest in Sikkim, triggering fresh landslides and flash floods and worsening the situation in the area
Over 32 houses and four government quarters in Rimbi village under the Yuksom-Tashiding constituency of West Sikkim are at the risk of being buried or submerged by mud and debris, following recurring landslides and flash floods from the unstable Singlitam hillock. However, no casualties have been reported so far.
The landslide occurred on Thursday night (September 24), with debris moving towards inhabited areas and causing damage to multiple structures, including government quarters of the Power Department. Several families have already left their homes and moved to relief camps or taken shelter with relatives. Most residents of the 32 affected houses have been shifted to the Rimbi Panchayat Bhawan.
The Yuksom-Rimbi area recorded 224.6 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, the highest in Sikkim, triggering fresh landslides and flash floods and worsening the situation in the area.
This has raised concerns among residents amid continued rainfall, with nearby houses, properties, and connectivity in the area facing risk. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and monitoring the situation in the affected area.
The incident comes amid continuous heavy rainfall in Sikkim, which has triggered multiple landslides, mudflows and road blockages across several areas.The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Gangtok, has initiated an extensive damage assessment following rain-related incidents reported across the district.A multi-agency team led by Kabi Tingda MLA Tshering T Bhutia, along with the OSD to the MLA, councillors, DDMA officials, Roads & Bridges Department engineers, the Ranka Block Development Officer and revenue surveyors, inspected several affected locations on Wednesday and Thursday.
The teams assessed areas affected by landslides, road blockages, mud and debris flows, and damage to residential structures.Several 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, were inspected.
Authorities said several road stretches remain obstructed, affecting vehicular movement. Public infrastructure, including the Sewage Treatment Plant at Sichey, has also sustained damage, while debris accumulation near the Enchey School 33/11 kV Switching Station has been identified as a potential hazard. As a precautionary measure, tarpaulins have been placed at vulnerable slide zones to prevent further rainwater seepage.
The District Collector and DDMA Chairman have directed concerned departments to clear roads and debris, restore connectivity, verify damages, and provide assistance to affected residents. Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel through landslide-prone areas and remain alert, especially during night hours. Residents living near unstable slopes have been asked to monitor cracks, slope movement, or falling debris and immediately report any warning signs.
