Heavy rainfall has triggered heightened landslide activity at Singlitam and Rimbi in Sikkim’s Gyalshing district, prompting authorities to evacuate 28 houses housing 128 people at Rimbi and relocate seven affected households at Singlitam to a relief centre.
The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) said landslides reported since September 12 had affected residential areas and public infrastructure. The District Administration and line departments were maintaining round-the-clock monitoring and response operations.
District Collector Tenzing Denzongpa has been regularly visiting Singlitam and Rimbi to assess the situation and monitor damage to public and government property.
At Singlitam, seven affected households comprising more than 33 people, including elderly persons and children, were shifted to a relief centre at Singlitam Ward. The administration was providing food and other essential supplies.
At Rimbi, four houses housing 18 people were initially evacuated from vulnerable locations and the families shifted to relatives’ homes. Following heavy rainfall and flooding on September 14, authorities expanded the evacuation to 28 houses housing 128 people, who were moved to the Rimbi Gram Panchayat Kendra as a precautionary measure.
Officials identified the area around Mandir Point as the main zone of landslide activity. The lower-lying area towards Rimbi Ward remained vulnerable to further landslides, prompting authorities to advise residents in vulnerable locations to move to safer areas during heavy rainfall or when directed.
Debris from the landslide has accumulated along the NiK Kholsa stream, with rainwater carrying it towards Rimbi village and affecting houses along the stream. The increased flow washed away the RCC bridge at Rimbi. Officials also warned that debris obstructing the natural flow of water could raise the risk of a sudden release of accumulated water and debris during rainfall.
The main Rimbi River has also changed course and is affecting the roadside flank. The State Government is taking steps to facilitate construction of a Bailey Bridge at a higher location after the main road was completely washed away on the night of May 14.
The Roads and Bridges Department has been carrying out continuous debris clearance and road restoration to facilitate vehicular movement. At Singlitam, lighting arrangements have been installed to support monitoring during rainfall.
Fresh damage to some houses and poultry units was reported following the September 14 flooding. The SDM, Yuksom, was scheduled to provide relief assistance to the newly affected families on September 15.
A temporary bamboo bridge was also scheduled to be constructed from September 15 to facilitate public movement. The site was identified in consultation with local residents, officials, Panchayat members and other representatives.
The administration was providing poly-alkathene water pipes to restore immediate water connectivity to the Rimbi relief camp and the main village water tank.
The Rimbi ICDS Centre, located below the expanding landslide area, was flooded during the September 14 rainfall. The concerned department was advised to examine shifting the damaged centre to a safer location to protect children.
The SDM, Yuksom, was also assessing land damage, with applicable relief assistance to affected landowners to be provided after the assessment under prescribed norms.
The SSDMA said the District Administration, District Disaster Management Authority, departments and local Panchayat representatives were closely monitoring the situation and continuing relief, response and safety measures.
Residents of Singlitam, Rimbi and other vulnerable areas were advised to remain alert, avoid unnecessary movement in landslide-prone areas during heavy rainfall and stay away from rivers, streams and drainage channels, particularly during intense or prolonged rain and at night. They were also asked to report fresh cracks, ground movement, unusual sounds or sudden changes in water flow to local authorities.
