A devastating landslide struck the Upper Rimbi area of Yangthang Constituency around midnight on Friday, claiming four lives and leaving one woman in critical condition. The tragedy unfolded as heavy rains triggered the landslide, sweeping through the settlement while residents were asleep.
According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Tshering Sherpa, three individuals died on the spot, buried under debris as the massive flow of mud and rocks engulfed their homes. The rescue operation that followed was both dangerous and urgent, carried out jointly by local villagers, the Sikkim Police, and personnel from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
“The terrain and weather posed severe challenges, but our team acted without delay,” said SP Sherpa. “It was a risky operation, and I am deeply grateful to the local community and SSB personnel who stood with us in this crisis.”
Heroic Rescue Efforts Amid Danger
Rescue teams worked through the night and early morning to reach those trapped. A 7-year-old child was successfully pulled out alive from the rubble, offering a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy.
Two women were also rescued, but the treacherous conditions posed additional hurdles. The Hume River, swollen due to continuous rainfall, cut off direct access to medical facilities. In a show of quick thinking and bravery, rescuers constructed a makeshift tree-log bridge to transport the injured women across the river.
Despite their efforts, one of the rescued women succumbed to her injuries after being admitted to the District Hospital. The other woman remains in critical condition and is currently under intensive care.
Community in Mourning
The incident has left the local community shaken. Families are grieving their losses, and several homes remain at risk as rain continues in the region. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate as a precaution.
Disaster response teams are continuing to monitor the situation, and further assessments are being made to identify areas prone to additional landslides.
Victims Identified (if available)
(Names and identities can be included here once officially released by authorities.)
Relief Measures and Safety Warnings
Local administration officials have promised immediate relief for the affected families. Emergency supplies and temporary shelters are being arranged for those displaced by the landslide.
Residents are being advised to:
Stay alert to weather warnings.
Avoid riverbanks and steep slopes.
Report any signs of soil movement or structural damage.
For more updates on the situation in Yangthang Constituency, stay tuned to our website.
