A fresh landslide triggered a mudslide in Rimbi village under the Yuksom-Tashiding constituency of West Sikkim on Friday, September 25, sending mud, rocks and debris downhill amid continued rainfall. The incident has raised concerns over nearby homes, property and road connectivity, although no casualties have been reported so far.
The latest slide comes after repeated landslide activity in Rimbi and neighbouring Singlitam since September 12. Following heavy rainfall and flooding on September 14, authorities evacuated 128 people from 28 houses in vulnerable parts of Rimbi and shifted them to the Rimbi Gram Panchayat Kendra as a precaution.
The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) and district administration have been carrying out relief, debris-clearance and restoration work, while officials have advised residents to stay away from active landslide zones and streams during rainfall.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast very heavy rain in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on September 25, followed by heavy rain on September 26, keeping the risk of further slope movement elevated.
Fresh Slide Raises Safety Concerns
The latest landslide occurred as persistent rain continued across West Sikkim, with large quantities of mud, rocks and debris moving downhill in Rimbi. Videos of the incident circulating online showed the debris cascading down the hillside, underlining the continuing danger to settlements and infrastructure located below unstable slopes.
Reports said houses and government structures in the affected area remain vulnerable, with the full extent of damage still being assessed. The incident comes barely a day after the state government said the Rimbi road had been restored and reopened to vehicles following urgent restoration work.
The road had been repaired after a three-day joint inspection involving the Roads and Bridges Department and district officials, with the administration saying it would continue monitoring the stretch and undertake further measures where required.
The administration had already taken precautionary measures as the landslide threat intensified earlier this month. According to the SSDMA, 28 houses comprising 128 people were evacuated from vulnerable parts of Rimbi after heavy rainfall and flooding on September 14.
The residents were moved to the Rimbi Gram Panchayat Kendra, while lighting arrangements were installed at the affected site to allow officials to monitor landslide activity during rainfall. At nearby Singlitam, seven vulnerable households were shifted to a relief shelter, where more than 33 people, including elderly residents and children, were provided food and essential supplies.
The District Collector, Tenzing Denzongpa, also visited the relief camp and interacted with affected families, assuring them that the administration would extend all possible assistance and support.
A Prolonged Threat In Rimbi
The latest incident is part of a wider and prolonged landslide situation in the Rimbi-Singlitam area. The SSDMA said landslide incidents had been reported from September 12, with the district administration regularly inspecting the affected areas and monitoring damage to public assets and government property.
Officials found that debris had accumulated along the Nik Kholsa stream, through which debris-laden water can flow towards Rimbi village during heavy rain. The accumulation has also disrupted the natural flow of water, raising concerns about sudden movement of water and debris towards houses located along the stream course.
Connectivity has been repeatedly affected. An earlier landslide at Rimbi damaged the road on the Geyzing-Pelling-Yuksom route, while increased water and debris flow washed away an RCC bridge. The main Rimbi River also changed course and began affecting the roadside flank. The state government said it was taking steps to construct a Bailey bridge at a higher location after the main road was washed away.
On September 15, Minister and area MLA Tshering T. Bhutia inspected the affected Rimbi-Singlitam area and said the landslide had caused extensive damage to households, properties and the road connecting Melli-Khechuperi-Yuksom. He also assured majorly affected residents of government assistance, including support for constructing new houses on newly purchased land.
The threat has not been confined to Rimbi. Sikkim has witnessed several rain-triggered landslides in recent weeks. In Gangtok’s Lingding area, a landslide on September 17 partially damaged a house after mud and rainwater entered its first-floor rooms.
Three major water pipelines were damaged, disrupting local water supply, while the road near Lingding Jhora remained inaccessible for several hours before debris was cleared and connectivity restored. No deaths or injuries were reported in that incident.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The situation in Rimbi is a reminder that during extreme weather, disaster response is not only about clearing roads after a landslide but also about protecting people before the next one occurs. The evacuation of 128 residents shows the importance of timely warnings and community cooperation, while the continued restoration of roads and essential services is equally critical for families who depend on these routes for food, healthcare, education and livelihoods.
Also read: Karnataka: 16-Year-Old Student Dies After Parents Object To Her Dancing
