A massive landslide triggered by incessant rain struck Upper Rimbi village under Yangthang Assembly constituency in West Sikkim early Friday, killing four members of a family and critically injuring one woman.
(File Photo: IANS)
A massive landslide triggered by incessant rain struck Upper Rimbi village under Yangthang Assembly constituency in West Sikkim early Friday, killing four members of a family and critically injuring one woman.
The deceased have been identified as Bhim Prasad Limboo (53, house owner), Anita Limboo (46, sister), Bimal Rai (50, son-in-law) and Anjal Rai (7, daughter of Bimal Rai). Rescue teams, braving darkness and torrential rain, managed to pull a seven-year-old child alive from the debris and rushed him to hospital.
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Police, health workers and villagers jointly mounted the operation despite remote terrain and flooded streams. In a dramatic effort, rescuers laid tree trunks across a swollen river to reach those trapped. Two women were brought out using the makeshift bridge—one was declared dead on arrival at hospital, the other remains in critical condition.
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State minister and local MLA Bhim Hang Limboo reached the site around 2 a.m. to oversee the rescue, which Geyzing SP Tsering Sherpa said was hampered by relentless rain and rugged terrain.
The tragedy highlights the Himalayan region’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the need for stronger preparedness, rapid response systems and rehabilitation support for affected families.
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