Landslides, flash floods force residents to flee Rimbi

KUSH HANG LEEWANG

GEYZING, :Rimbi village under Yuksam-Tashiding constituency in Gyalshing district has turned largely deserted as recurring landslides and flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall have forced most residents to flee their homes.

Amid the growing threat of further landslides and flash floods, several families have moved to safer locations in nearby villages, while others have been evacuated by the district administration and shifted to relief camps.

“We had no other option but to leave our homes and move to safety. We cannot risk staying here amid continuous flash floods and landslides. We simply cannot explain our suffering in words,” a dejected Rimbi resident said.

Another resident said many families were staying with neighbours and relatives, particularly in Darap, amid fears of a possible natural calamity.

“We collected important documents, valuables and other necessary belongings before leaving our homes. Leaving one’s own home is emotionally distressing,” he said.

While some residents return to their homes during the day to check on their properties and belongings, they cannot afford to spend the night there because of the continuing threat, another resident said.

The landslides around Singlitam village have intensified and expanded significantly since August, exposing both Singlitam and Rimbi settlements to increasing risks.

Officials said several families have already been evacuated and shifted to relief camps in view of the continuing threat, with landslides and flash floods occurring repeatedly over the past two months.

 Residents fear that a major collapse of the unstable Singlitam hillside could choke a stream flowing down from the area and trigger a severe flash flood affecting the entire rural settlement of Rimbi.

Rimbi village has more than 30 houses and remains under constant threat, residents said.

 “How long do we have to endure this situation? We have been living under the constant threat of a possible massive natural disaster. We appeal to the state government to come up with a permanent, concrete and comprehensive plan to resolve the issue,” an affected Rimbi resident said.

The district administration has reportedly submitted a detailed project report (DPR) to higher authorities for preventive and protective measures. Affected residents of Singlitam and Rimbi, however, have demanded immediate implementation of the proposed projects and a permanent solution to the recurring threat.

Rimbi ward panchayat MingwangLimboo said most residents had either moved to safer locations or been shifted by the district administration.

“Several families have left the village considering the threat of further escalation of the landslides. The weather remains inclement, with the possibility of more intense rainfall,” Limboo said.

The Rimbi-Yuksam road has also suffered further damage, completely disrupting vehicular movement along the route.

Limboo said the road was expected to be reopened by Sunday evening, with sufficient machinery deployed at the affected site.

Singlitam ward panchayat Sonam Jangmu Bhutia said 10 affected families from the ward continued to stay at relief camps set up by the district administration.

She said the landslides had expanded and intensified over the past few days, posing a serious threat to the Singlitam settlement.

 “The community ground, which had already been partially damaged, has now suffered massive damage. The landslides continue to expand, posing an even greater threat of further calamity,” Bhutia said.

Officials from the Mines and Geology department visited the affected areas on Saturday and assessed the situation, she said, adding that the district administration was continuously monitoring the situation.

Saturday and Sunday's incessant rainfall triggered flash floods and further landslides from the unstable slopes above Singlitam, leaving a trail of damage in and around Rimbi village.

The affected residents said they are now awaiting immediate intervention from the State government to ensure their safety and undertake permanent rehabilitation measures.