Fresh Rimbi landslide damages dozens of homes as heavy rain threatens access
GYALSHING, Sikkim, September 25, 2026: A major landslide triggered by sustained rainfall swept into residential parts of Rimbi village late Thursday, damaging dozens of buildings and renewing concerns over road access, utilities and the safety of families living below an unstable slope.
No casualties had been reported as of Friday afternoon. Preliminary field accounts indicated that more than 30 houses and government quarters were fully or partially damaged, collapsed or left tilted. At least two houses were reported to have been washed away. The district administration had not yet issued a final, structure-by-structure damage tally, and assessments of homes, livestock and other property were continuing.
Officials also had not released a new consolidated displacement figure specifically linked to Thursday night’s movement. More than two dozen families were reported to be staying at a relief camp or other safer locations, but that number remained subject to verification.
The distinction is important because Rimbi and neighbouring Singlitam have faced recurring slope movement for several weeks. Following flooding on September 14, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority said 28 households comprising 128 people had been evacuated to the Rimbi Gram Panchayat Kendra as a precaution. Authorities have not clarified how many of those residents remained displaced when the latest landslide occurred.
Debris reaches inhabited area
The active slide, first reported in August, intensified after heavy rain sent mud, rocks and water towards the lower residential area. The damage includes private homes and accommodation belonging to the state Power Department. Buildings that remain standing may require technical inspection before residents can safely return.
Access is a major concern because the broader Rimbi-Singlitam area has repeatedly lost road links during the monsoon. Earlier slope failures damaged the Geyzing-Pelling-Yuksom route and the road connecting Melli, Khechuperi and Yuksom. An RCC bridge at Rimbi was washed away during flooding earlier in September, while debris accumulated in a local stream and interfered with the natural flow of water.
Authorities have previously warned that a sudden release of trapped water and debris could cause additional damage downstream. The main Rimbi River has also shifted towards the roadside flank, increasing pressure on already weakened infrastructure.
Plans have included a temporary bamboo crossing for pedestrians, emergency water pipes for the relief camp and village tank, and a Bailey bridge at a higher location. The Roads and Bridges Department has also been working on temporary access, although further rain and continuing ground movement could delay restoration.
Senior officials inspect affected area
Minister and area legislator Tshering T. Bhutia, State Relief Commissioner Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, Gyalshing District Collector Tenzing D. Denzongpa and other officials visited Rimbi on Friday to assess conditions and review relief arrangements.
The administration said immediate assistance would be provided under applicable disaster-relief rules and that additional shelter would be arranged if required. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang directed local authorities to remain on high alert, monitor the slope and take necessary measures to protect residents. He described public safety as the government’s priority and urged people to follow official instructions.
The damaged area remains active, making a complete assessment difficult. Officials are expected to update the number of affected buildings and displaced residents after field verification and household checks are completed.
Heavy-rain warning remains in force
The Meteorological Centre in Gangtok placed Gyalshing, Namchi and Soreng districts under an orange alert for September 24 and 25. Heavy to very heavy rainfall was forecast at isolated places on Thursday, followed by the possibility of heavy rain on Friday. Pelling’s local forecast also carried a heavy-rain warning for September 25.
Warnings were expected to ease from September 26, although cloudy conditions and further rain remained possible. Residents have been cautioned not to treat an improving forecast as an immediate all-clear because saturated slopes can continue moving after intense rainfall has ended.
Public advised to avoid vulnerable zones
Residents have been advised to move to designated shelters or safer locations whenever directed, avoid active landslide areas, and stay away from streams, drainage channels and debris deposits during rainfall. Unnecessary travel through affected stretches, particularly at night, should be avoided.
People should immediately report new ground cracks, leaning structures, unusual sounds, falling rocks, sudden changes in stream flow or fresh slope movement to local authorities. This remains a developing emergency, and casualty, damage and displacement figures should be treated as provisional until confirmed by the district administration.
