Four Dead, Three Missing in Sikkim Landslide; Rescue Efforts Continue

Gangtok- At least four people were killed and three remain missing after a massive landslide struck Upper Rimbi in Yangthang Constituency, West Sikkim, around midnight, officials confirmed on Friday.

According to Geyzing Superintendent of Police Tshering Sherpa, three victims died instantly as the landslide swept away multiple houses. The deceased were identified as Bhim Prasad Limboo (53), his sister Anita Limboo (46), his son-in-law Bimal Rai (50), and his seven-year-old granddaughter Anjal Rai.

Two women were pulled out alive during a risky overnight rescue mission involving police, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local villagers. Rescuers built a makeshift tree-log bridge over the flooded Hume River to reach them. Both were rushed to the District Hospital in Geyzing, but one later succumbed to injuries while the other remains critical.

State minister and local MLA Bhim Hang Limboo reached the site at 2 a.m. to oversee operations. He said relentless rainfall and damaged approach roads had hampered rescue work, but coordinated efforts enabled some victims to be evacuated.

“The situation is extremely challenging due to continuous downpour, but all departments are working together to ensure survivors are rescued and relief is provided,” the minister said.

Search operations for the three missing persons are still underway. Heavy machinery has been deployed, though unstable terrain and ongoing rain continue to hinder progress.

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to move to safer locations. With the India Meteorological Department predicting more rain, district administrations across Sikkim have been placed on high alert.

Landslides are frequent in Sikkim during monsoon, but officials noted that this incident was unusually severe as a large section of hillside collapsed, triggering flash floods in the river below.

With inputs from IANS