Sikkim Landslide Damages Rimbi Homes, Closes NH-10 Lifeline for Six Hours

Heavy monsoon rains have turned Sikkim’s Gyalshing district into a disaster zone, with a massive landslide striking Rimbi village late Thursday night. The earth shift, triggered by sustained downpours, obliterated several private residences and damaged government accommodation blocks. Official reports confirm zero casualties, a grim blessing amid the destruction.

The immediate aftermath has forced a lockdown on Sikkim’s economic lifeline. On Saturday, NHIDCL restricted all vehicle movement on the 52-km stretch between Sevoke and Rangpo on NH-10. The ban, issued by the Project Monitoring Unit-Siliguri, lasted from 6 am to noon. Police forces in West Bengal’s Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Jalpaiguri districts, along with Sikkim authorities, deployed personnel to manage the traffic bottleneck.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang reacted swiftly to the crisis. He directed local administrators to maintain a high state of alert. "The safety and well-being of affected residents are the government’s top priority," Tamang stated. He urged the populace to remain vigilant, strictly adhere to official advisories, and coordinate mutual aid in the affected zones.

The closure of NH-10 disrupts the primary supply route connecting Sikkim to the rest of India. Authorities are now monitoring the geological stability of the Rimbi area to clear the highway. The state government has promised to address the reconstruction of damages, with further updates expected as the rain intensifies.