Sikkim landslide tragedy: Four dead, three feared missing amid heavy rain

A devastating landslide struck the remote village of Upper Rimbi in West Sikkim’s Yangthang constituency in the early hours of Friday, resulting in the confirmed deaths of four individuals, with a further three people reported missing.

According to media reports, the disaster occurred at midnight, with three individuals killed instantly at the scene. As detailed by Geyzing Superintendent of Police Tshering Sherpa, a complex rescue operation was swiftly launched involving local police, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel, and residents from nearby villages.

The response effort faced significant challenges due to severe weather. To reach the victims, who were stranded by the aftermath of the slide, rescuers were forced to construct a makeshift bridge from tree logs to cross the dangerously flooded Hume River, as was confirmed by officials.

This daring operation succeeded in evacuating two injured women, who were immediately transported to the District Hospital. However, the situation remained grave. One of the rescued women later succumbed to her injuries while receiving medical treatment. The other survivor is reported to be in a critical condition, fighting for her life.