Relief and safety measures undertaken for landslide victims of Singlitam-Rimbi

GANGTOK,: The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) has shared updates about the prevailing landslide situation at Singlitam and Rimbi in Gyalshing District and the measures being undertaken by the district administration and concerned line departments for the safety and relief of affected residents.

Following the landslide incidents reported from September 12, Gyalshing District Collector Tenzing Denzongpa has been regularly visiting the affected areas of Singlitam and Rimbi to assess the situation and monitor damage to public assets and government property.

The Roads and Bridges Department is continuously undertaking debris clearance and road restoration works to facilitate vehicular movement. In view of the prevailing conditions, the department is working round the clock at the affected locations, said the SSDMA in a media statement on September 14.

At Singlitam, a relief centre is functioning at Singlitam Ward for seven directly affected households. More than 33 persons, including elderly persons and children, are presently accommodated at the relief centre. Adequate food and essential relief supplies are being provided by the district administration.

At Rimbi, affected households have been evacuated from vulnerable locations as a precautionary measure. Four houses comprising 18 family members were initially vacated, with the affected families staying with relatives and receiving necessary relief assistance from the District Administration.

On September 12, Yuksom SDM Jigmee Bhutia along with representatives of DDMA, Gyalshing, Panchayat representatives and the OSD to MLA, Yuksom-Tashiding, visited the affected areas and interacted with the residents. The immediate requirements of affected families were assessed and arrangements have been made for the provision of relief materials for the period from September 18 to October 18, in accordance with the prescribed norms.

The area around Mandir Point was inspected and is understood to be the location associated with the main landslide activity. The lower-lying area towards Rimbi Ward remains vulnerable to further landslide activity. Households in vulnerable locations have been advised to exercise caution and move to safer locations during heavy rainfall or whenever directed by the authorities, said the SSDMA.

The landslide debris has accumulated along the NiK Kholsa stream. During rainfall, water carrying debris flows downstream towards Rimbi village, affecting houses located along the course of the stream. The increased volume of water and debris during heavy rainfall has already resulted in the washing away of the RCC bridge at Rimbi.

The accumulation of debris is also affecting the natural flow of water. Any sudden release of accumulated water and debris may cause further damage. The public is therefore advised to avoid approaching active landslide areas, debris accumulation zones and stream courses during rainfall, said the SSDMA.

The main Rimbi River has also changed its course and is presently affecting the roadside flank. In view of the prevailing site conditions, the State Government is taking necessary steps to facilitate the construction of a Bailey Bridge at a comparatively higher location. The bridge is intended to help restore connectivity after the main road was completely washed away on the night of May 14.

At Singlitam, seven households from vulnerable locations have been shifted to the relief shelter. Four households located below the public ground and three households located above the public ground have been relocated as a precautionary measure.

Following heavy rainfall and flooding on September 14, the district administration conducted a fresh assessment of the situation at Rimbi. A total of 28 houses comprising 128 persons have been evacuated and shifted to the Rimbi Gram Panchayat Kendra (GPK) as a precautionary measure.

Lighting arrangements have been installed at the affected site to facilitate monitoring of landslide activity during rainfall. Necessary relief assistance has been provided to the affected households. Fresh damage to some houses and poultry units has also been reported following the flooding on September 14. Relief assistance to the newly affected families will be provided by SDM, Yuksom, on September 15.

To facilitate public movement in the affected area, construction of a temporary bamboo bridge is commenced today. The location for the bridge was jointly identified in consultation with local residents, SDM, Yuksom, Advisor, N.B. Limboo, Panchayat members and local representatives.

The district administration is also providing poly-alkathene water pipes to ensure immediate water connectivity to the relief camp at Rimbi and the main village water tank.

The Rimbi ICDS Centre, located directly below the expanding landslide area, was flooded following the heavy rainfall and flooding on September 14. In view of the potential risk to the safety of children, the concerned department has been advised to examine the relocation of the damaged ICDS Centre to a safer location.

An assessment of land damage is also being undertaken by the SDM, Yuksom. Relief assistance applicable to affected landowners will be provided following completion of the assessment in accordance with the prescribed norms.

The district administration, DDMA, concerned line departments and local Panchayat representatives are closely monitoring the situation and continuing necessary relief, response and safety measures in the affected areas.

SSDMA advised residents of Singlitam, Rimbi and other vulnerable areas to remain alert and strictly follow advisories issued by the district administration and other competent authorities.

The public is advised to:

- Move to designated relief centres or other safer locations whenever directed by the authorities.

- Avoid approaching active landslide zones and areas with accumulated debris.

- Avoid crossing or staying near rivers, streams and drainage channels during heavy rainfall.

- Exercise extreme caution during prolonged or intense rainfall, particularly at night.

- Report any fresh cracks, ground movement, unusual sounds, sudden changes in water flow or other signs of possible landslide activity to the nearest local authority.

- Avoid unnecessary movement in landslide-affected and vulnerable areas during periods of heavy rainfall.

SSDMA will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with the District Administration and concerned agencies, the release mentions.