Sikkim News

28 houses evacuated in Sikkim’s Rimbi after fresh landslide activity

Sikkim evacuates 128 people from 28 houses in Rimbi after fresh landslides and heavy rain, while authorities continue relief and road restoration work.

Sentinel Digital Desk

Gyalshing: As many as 128 people from 28 houses have been evacuated from vulnerable areas of Rimbi in Sikkim's Gyalshing district following fresh landslide activity and heavy rainfall, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) said.

The SSDMA said the district administration and concerned departments are carrying out relief and restoration work in the affected areas of Singlitam and Rimbi after landslide incidents were reported on September 12.

Gyalshing District Collector Tenzing Denzongpa has been regularly visiting the affected locations to assess the situation and monitor damage to public infrastructure and government property, the authority said.

At Singlitam, a relief centre is functioning at Singlitam Ward for seven directly affected households. More than 33 people, including elderly persons and children, are currently staying at the centre, where food and essential relief supplies are being provided by the district administration.

At Rimbi, households located in vulnerable areas were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Initially, four houses comprising 18 family members were shifted, with affected families staying with relatives and receiving necessary assistance.

Following heavy rainfall and flooding on September 14, a fresh assessment was conducted at Rimbi, after which 28 houses comprising 128 persons were evacuated and shifted to the Rimbi Gram Panchayat Kendra (GPK), SSDMA said.

The Roads and Bridges Department is carrying out debris clearance and road restoration works at the affected sites on a round-the-clock basis to restore connectivity.

The administration has advised residents to avoid active landslide zones, debris accumulation areas and river streams during rainfall. Authorities are also installing lighting arrangements at affected sites for monitoring and have provided relief assistance to affected families. (ANI)

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