Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Sikkim Village May Be Declared Uninhabitable After Recurring Landslides
Rimbi is a village in Sikkim where the ground has been sliding downhill.
Heavy monsoon rain caused landslides, floods, mud and debris.
At least 32 homes and four government buildings were damaged.
Some families lost their houses and belongings.
The government has moved affected people into relief camps.
Officials are thinking about declaring the village unsafe for living.
Experts will study the land after the rainy season.
Families may receive money, land or help to build new homes.
Authorities are considering declaring Rimbi village in West Sikkim uninhabitable after recurring landslides.
Landslides and flash floods have damaged at least 32 houses and four government quarters.
The disaster began on August 13 and worsened after intense rainfall on August 14.
A relief camp at the Gram Prasasan Kendra is accommodating 107 displaced residents.
Families may receive compensation, land and housing support under government relief schemes.
- Who
- Residents of Rimbi and Singlitam, Sikkim government officials, and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
- What
- Recurring landslides and flash floods have damaged homes and government quarters, prompting consideration of relocating Rimbi residents.
- When
- The situation began on August 13; a major spell of rainfall caused extensive damage on August 14, and the village was surveyed on September 25.
- Where
- Rimbi village and Singlitam in West Sikkim, including areas near Mit Khola.
- Why
- Intense monsoon rainfall caused landslides, flooding, mud and debris, while unstable slopes continued to threaten settlements.
- Affected homes
- At least 32 houses were damaged.
- Government buildings
- Four government quarters were damaged.
- Rimbi relief camp
- 107 people are being accommodated at the Gram Prasasan Kendra.
- Additional evacuations
- Nine houses in Singlitam were evacuated.
- Geological survey
- A multidisciplinary survey is planned after the monsoon.
- Full-damage compensation
- Families whose houses were completely damaged will receive Rs 1.3 lakh.
- Housing support
- Eligible families may receive land and houses, or support for construction, under the Sikkim Housing Scheme.