Rimbi village in West Sikkim is facing a growing disaster threat, with 32 houses and four government quarters at risk of being buried or submerged under massive quantities of mud, sand and debris brought down by recurring flash floods and landslides from the unstable Singlitam hillock above the village.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Friday expressed deep concern over the situation in Rimbi, in Gyalshing district, following severe landslides amid continuing heavy rainfall. Several families have already been forced to abandon their homes, with most now staying in relief camps set up by the Geyzing district administration or taking shelter with relatives. Residents of most of the 32 affected houses have been shifted to the Rimbi Panchayat Bhawan.
The Geyzing district administration remains on high alert, monitoring the situation and providing relief to affected families.
In a statement, the Chief Minister said the situation remained serious and that the safety and well-being of residents were the government’s foremost priority. Tamang said necessary directions had been issued to the concerned authorities to remain on high alert, closely monitor affected areas and take all possible measures to ensure public safety. “I understand the deep distress and uncertainty being faced by the residents,” the Chief Minister said, extending his thoughts and prayers to families affected by the landslides. “The government is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to take all necessary steps to protect our people,” he said.
Authorities have previously evacuated vulnerable households and advised residents to stay away from active landslide zones, debris accumulation areas and streams during periods of heavy rainfall.
