Saturday, Sep 13, 2025 21:45 [IST]
Last Update: Friday, Sep 12, 2025 16:03 [IST]
GEYZING, : Three persons of a family were killed and three others injured when a landslide triggered by heavy rains on Thursday night swept away a house at Upper Rimbik in Yangthang constituency of West Sikkim.
Officials said the incident occurred around 8 pm when a portion of a steep slope collapsed after incessant downpour and swept the house below.
The deceased have been identified as Bhim Prasad Limboo (54), the owner of the house, his sister Anita Rai (46) and brother-in-law Bimal Rai (50).
Those injured were Limboo’s wife, Mon Maya Rai (43), Anita and Bimal’s seven-year-old daughter Angela Rai and a relative, Suk Bahadur Limboo (44). All three are undergoing treatment at the district hospital in Geyzing and their condition is stated to be stable, officials said.
While Mon Maya and Suk Bahadur were rescued on Thursday night, the child was rescued on Friday morning.
Local residents said the family had been cautioned to shift to a safer place due to the likelihood of a landslide.
Personnel of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), police, NGOs, district administration and local residents carried out rescue operations through the night.
Area MLA and minister Bhim Hang Subba, who reached the spot around 2 am from Gangtok, joined the rescue operations and assured government assistance to the affected family.
Gyalshing DC Tenzing D. Denzongpa reviewed the damage and handed over an ex-gratia of Rs. 4 lakh to the area MLA which would be handed over to the next of kin of Bhim Prasad, while ex-gratia for the other deceased will be provided soon. He also directed the district authorities to facilitate rehabilitation of the survivors.
The DC assured other required help to the affected families after necessary assessment. Denzongpa also directed the concerned department to facilitate an immediate road restoration work on Nambu-Rimbik route which remains affected at several points due to landslide.
The landslide also severely disrupted traffic on the Nambu-Rimbik route at several stretches and a bridge over fast flowing Heeu Khola has been washed away. A temporary wooden footbridge has been installed but vehicular movement remains cut off.
The DC has instructed immediate restoration of connectivity, though officials cautioned that traffic movement may not resume at the earliest due to multiple vulnerable stretches along the road.
Locals appealed for urgent road repair, saying the disruption is hampering students and residents who rely on nearby towns like Darap, Pelling and Geyzing for schools and essential supplies.
