Daijiworld Media Network - Gangtok

Gangtok, Sep 12: A powerful landslide struck Upper Rimbi in the Yangthang Constituency of West Sikkim around midnight, killing at least four people and leaving three others missing, according to officials. The disaster, triggered by relentless rainfall, swept away several homes and caused flash flooding in the Hume River below.

Geyzing superintendent of police Tshering Sherpa confirmed that three individuals died instantly when their houses were engulfed by the slide. The victims were identified as 53-year-old Bhim Prasad Limboo, his sister Anita Limboo (46), his son-in-law Bimal Rai (50), and his 7-year-old granddaughter Anjal Rai.

Emergency teams launched a daring overnight rescue mission involving the police, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local residents. Using a makeshift bridge fashioned from tree logs to cross the swollen Hume River, they managed to pull out two injured women alive from the debris.

Both women were immediately transported to Geyzing District Hospital. Tragically, one succumbed to her injuries, while the other remains in critical condition, hospital authorities reported.

Minister for Buildings and Housing, and Labour Department Bhim Hang Limboo, who also represents the area as the local MLA, arrived at the disaster site around 2 a.m. to oversee ongoing rescue and relief operations. He noted that heavy rains and damaged access roads had significantly complicated the rescue effort.

“The persistent rainfall and difficult terrain are making everything harder, but all government departments and local forces are coordinating closely to manage the situation and provide immediate support,” said Limboo.

Search operations are continuing in full swing to locate the three people still unaccounted for. Heavy machinery has been brought in, but officials admit that unstable slopes and ongoing rainfall are major obstacles.

Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain extremely cautious, and evacuation to safer zones is being encouraged where needed.

With the India Meteorological Department warning of more rainfall in the coming days, the Sikkim government has placed all districts on high alert and is preparing for further emergencies.

While landslides are a regular threat in Sikkim during the monsoon, officials say this particular incident was unusually severe due to the sudden and massive collapse of a hillside, which unleashed both earth and water in a deadly mix.