In West Sikkim's Rimbi village, a series of flash floods and landslides triggered by a heavy monsoon has damaged homes, government quarters, and small structures. The steep slopes of Singlitam have been sliding since August, with only two houses affected on August 13 and a surge the following day after a major rainfall spell.
During a survey on September 25, Disaster Relief Commissioner Rinzing Chewang declared Rimbi uninhabitable and shifted 107 residents to the Gram Prasasan Kendra relief camp. Nine houses in nearby Singlitam were also evacuated, with occupants moved to a relief camp in that village.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said the situation remains serious and that the government’s priority is residents’ safety. He directed authorities to stay on high alert, monitor affected areas closely, and take all possible measures to ensure public safety.
Families whose houses were completely destroyed will receive ₹1.3 lakh in compensation, and those who lost land will be offered new land and a house under the Sikkim Housing Scheme. Those retaining land will get support for construction.
A geological survey will be conducted after the monsoon to study the landslide and its causes through a multidisciplinary assessment involving various departments. The state will also keep watch on the slopes and provide necessary aid to displaced families.