16 September,2026 09:12 PM IST | Gangtok | mid-day online correspondent
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At least 161 people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas of Sikkim's Gyalshing district following incessant rainfall, flooding and fresh landslides, officials said on Wednesday.
At Rimbi, 128 people from 28 households were shifted to the Rimbi Gram Panchayat Kendra as a precautionary measure after landslides and flooding heightened risks to settlements.
The situation remains particularly concerning around Mandir Point, where fresh landslides have been reported. Debris has accumulated along the Nik Kholsa stream, with debris-laden water flowing towards Rimbi village during heavy rainfall and threatening houses situated along the stream's course.
According to the district administration, the accumulation of debris has disrupted the natural flow of water, raising concerns over a possible sudden release of water and debris. The RCC bridge at Rimbi has been washed away due to the increased flow of water and debris, while the main Rimbi River has changed course and begun eroding the roadside flank, officials said.
Authorities are taking steps to restore connectivity by constructing a Bailey bridge at a higher location. The initiative comes after the main road was completely washed away on May 15.
The Rimbi Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Centre, located below the expanding landslide zone, has also been flooded. The administration has directed the concerned department to assess the feasibility of shifting the centre to a safer location.
Meanwhile, at nearby Singlitam, seven families comprising more than 33 people were relocated to a relief shelter after being identified as vulnerable.
The shelter is accommodating elderly residents and children, with food and other essential supplies being provided.
The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) has urged residents of Singlitam, Rimbi and other vulnerable locations to remain alert amid the continuing rainfall.
Authorities have advised people to avoid active landslide zones and stream courses during periods of heavy rain, warning of potential risks from sudden flooding and debris movement. The district administration continues to monitor the situation and coordinate precautionary measures to protect residents in affected areas.
The Tawang district administration in Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday issued a fresh advisory warning residents of possible landslides, mudslides and watercourse blockages amid continuous rainfall, particularly in downstream areas of Bomdir Nallah, where a major mudslide is feared.
People living near streams, nallahs, low-lying areas and landslide-prone locations have been asked to remain highly vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement near vulnerable slopes and watercourses, district officials said.
The advisory follows a survey of the Mhenkhar and Bhuip areas towards PTSO, where large-scale landslide activity has been reported, they said.
A team led by Assistant Commissioner Tenzin Jambey, along with District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) Genden Tsomu and representatives of the Tawang Brigade of the Indian Army, inspected the affected areas as part of precautionary measures.
During the survey, the team observed continued movement of mud and debris.
Officials said the debris could obstruct natural watercourses, resulting in sudden accumulation of water and posing a serious threat to downstream areas if the blockage gives way or further slope failure occurs.
In view of the prevailing weather conditions and continuing instability of vulnerable slopes, the administration has repeatedly advised residents to exercise caution. It has particularly urged people to stay away from swollen streams, unstable slopes, landslide zones and vulnerable stretches of road.
Kyidphel Assistant Commissioner Sange Norbu has also alerted villagers and shared precautionary information through WhatsApp and other social media platforms to ensure timely communication at the grassroots level.
The administration of the border district has appealed to residents not to ignore official advisories or take unnecessary risks while crossing swollen streams or travelling through landslide-prone areas.
People have also been asked to immediately inform the local administration about any unusual blockage of watercourses, sudden changes in water levels, movement of debris or signs of slope instability.
The district administration urged the public to remain alert, follow official advisories and cooperate with disaster management authorities to ensure the safety of individuals and the community.
(With IANS and PTI inputs)
