Landslides damage homes, force 35 families to flee in Sikkim

Landslides have damaged houses and evacuated 35 families from the Singlitam-Rimbi area of West Sikkim, authorities shifted residents from unsafe localities to relief camps and relatives’ homes, local media reported.

The zone affected, which is part of the Yuksam subdivision of Gyalshing district, has witnessed a series of landslides that pose a risk to houses and other properties. According to The Telegraph, 26 families have moved to their relatives’ homes while nine severely affected households have been moved to temporary relief camps in Singlitam and Rimbi.

“Considering the prevailing risks and safety concerns, families living in vulnerable areas were evacuated and shifted to safer locations. Two temporary relief camps have been established at Singlitam and Rimbi,” said a district administration official.

Five households that were severely affected from Singlitam were shifted to the relief camp there, while four households were accommodated at the Rimbi camp, the official said.

District officials visited the affected areas to assess damage to land, houses and other property and coordinate relief measures. The administration said after the assessment, there would be further rehabilitation and mitigation measures.