Gangtok (Sikkim) [India], September 17 (ANI): A landslide occurred at Lingding in Tadong, Gangtok, around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, partially damaging a house and disrupting road connectivity in the area following heavy rainfall in Sikkim.
The landslide partially damaged the house of JN Bhattarai, with water and mud entering rooms on the first floor. Three major water pipelines supplying the area were also damaged, disrupting the local water supply.
According to local residents, the road near Lingding Jhora was completely cut off from around 3 a.m. to 9 a.m., causing difficulties for residents and neighbours. The road has since been cleared and connectivity restored.
The incident was among several landslide-related disruptions reported across Sikkim following heavy rainfall on the night of September 16.
No human casualties were reported in the incident. No other houses or vehicles were damaged.
Authorities and local residents continue to monitor the situation in the area amid the impact of heavy rainfall and landslide-related disruptions.
Meanwhile, 128 people from 28 houses have been evacuated from vulnerable areas of Rimbi in Sikkim's Gyalshing district following fresh landslide activity and heavy rainfall, according to the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA).
The district administration and concerned departments are carrying out relief and restoration work in Singlitam and Rimbi, where landslide incidents were reported on September 12.
At Singlitam, a relief centre is functioning at Singlitam Ward for seven directly affected households. More than 33 people, including elderly persons and children, are currently staying at the centre, where food and essential relief supplies are being provided by the district administration.
At Rimbi, households located in vulnerable areas were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Following heavy rainfall and flooding on September 14, a fresh assessment was conducted, after which 28 houses comprising 128 people were evacuated and shifted to the Rimbi Gram Panchayat Kendra.
The Roads and Bridges Department is carrying out debris clearance and road restoration work at the affected sites on a round-the-clock basis.
The SSDMA said landslide debris has accumulated along the NiK Kholsa stream and, during rainfall, water carrying debris flows downstream towards Rimbi village, affecting houses located along the stream course.
The RCC bridge at Rimbi has already been washed away due to increased water and debris flow. The main Rimbi River has also changed its course and is affecting the roadside flank.
The state government is taking steps to construct a Bailey Bridge at a higher location to restore connectivity after the main road was washed away.
The administration has advised residents to avoid active landslide zones, debris accumulation areas and river streams during rainfall. Authorities are also installing lighting arrangements at affected sites for monitoring and have provided relief assistance to affected families. (ANI)
Landslide in Sikkim's Gangtok partially damages house, disrupts road connectivity
