The state government is considering declaring Rimbi village in West Sikkim ‘uninhabitable’ after a series of landslides. As a result, residents of the village may have to be moved to a safer location.
At least 32 houses and 4 government quarters have been damaged in the landslides and flash floods triggered by intense monsoon rainfall.
Nine houses in Singlitam have also been evacuated, with those residents shifted to a relief camp in Singlitam”. At least 32 houses and 4 government quarters have been damaged in the landslides and flash floods triggered by intense monsoon rainfall. Sikkim Disaster Relief Commissioner Rinzing Chewang, who surveyed the affected village on September 25, said, “Rimbi may be uninhabitable after the recurring landslide from Singlitam. We have shifted affected residents to the Gram Prasasan Kendra, with 107 people currently accommodated at the relief camp.
Declaring Rimbi as ‘uninhabitable’, Chewang said a multidisciplinary geological survey of the village will be conducted after the monsoon to study the causes of the landslide. In a statement, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang 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.
