Flash flood in Sikkim: five bridges, 14 houses washed away

Gangtok, August 2, 2013:

A massive landslide triggered by a flash flood and heavy rains in West Sikkim’s Geyzing district has washed away 14 houses, five bridges, an SSB camp and numerous other public properties, even as the downpour continued, disrupting normal life.

Several areas, including Sindrabong, Upper Rimbi, Sangkhola, Chongri and Lungmodara were affected in Tuesday’s devastating landslide.

The landslide occurred around 6.pm. near Lungmo Khola in Sindrabong. Due to heavy rains, the water-level of another river in Upper Rimbi has also risen alarming. At least 14 houses were washed away in the torrent. The affected families, however, managed to escape the flooding.

One SSB camp at Sangkhola, two motorbikes, one commander jeep, a footpath and livestock were washed away. Several hectares of larger cardamom fields were also destroyed.

In addition, five bridges were washed away and two other bridges were severely damaged. A footpath connecting Sangkhola, Chongri and Lungmodara villages was also destroyed. A main road and a bridge connecting Sindrabong village with Upper Rimbi were washed away.

People living near the river bank have been evacuated. The Topung village near the Upper Rimbi School and other areas are still under threat even as the rescue work continued.

A team of senior officials immediately rushed to the site to oversee the rescue work. Area MLA P.L. Subba, Relief Commissioner K.S. Topgay, Deputy Commissioner, West district, Block Development Officer, Geyzing, Zilla panchayats and other officials, NGOs have visited the site in Upper Rimbi where relief camps have been set up. Relief materials were being provided to the affected people.

The power supply which broke down after the landslide was restored on Thursday. Drinking water facilities and temporary bridges were being built.

The panchayats and the villagers have expressed their gratitude to the state government for its proactive support.