Landslide hit Takdah Cantonment Hospital
Darjeeling: Amid heavy rain, fresh landslides in West Sikkim’s Yuksom-Tashiding constituency have hit Rimbi village, putting nearly 30 households and govt quarters at risk, while heavy rain triggered another landslide at Takdah Cantonment Hospital in Darjeeling district early Friday, injuring two. Traffic on NH-10, the main highway connecting Bengal with Sikkim, was briefly affected after a tree fell at Labarbote around 5.50am. NH-110, connecting Siliguri with Darjeeling, was also blocked for about an hour after a landslide struck Chauri Bhir near Mahanadi around 8am. Debris was cleared by 9.30am.
No casualties have been reported yet, but the continuing spell of rain has disrupted connectivity across Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolkata | Silver Rate in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Petrol Price in Kolkata | Diesel Price in Kolkata | CNG Price in Kolkata | LPG Price in Kolkata Stay updated with the latest Kolkata news.
Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang said govt was closely monitoring the situation and had directed authorities to remain on high alert. “The situation remains serious, and the safety and well-being of the people continue to be our foremost priority,” Tamang said. He said he would follow up with authorities to ensure relief, assessment and reconstruction work began on priority.
West district administration in Sikkim has evacuated vulnerable families from Rimbi as the landslide continues to threaten houses and property after almost a month. The four were rescued soon after. Two who had sustained injuries were shifted to Darjeeling district hospital, while the other two were sent home. Takdah Rural Hospital is the only govt health centre serving Rangli Rangliot block, about 28km from Darjeeling town. Darjeeling BJP MP Raju Bista expressed solidarity with the injured. Meanwhile, the temporary Hume-pipe causeway over Balason river at Dudhia in Mirik was washed away for the third time after the river swelled, disrupting movement of heavy goods vehicles between Siliguri and Mirik. Disaster management and SDRF personnel cleared the obstruction and traffic resumed. The landslide also forced suspension of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway services for the day. Download the TOI App.
The situation worsened on Thursday evening when the landslide advanced further towards the village, sweeping away parts of it. In Darjeeling, a landslide hit Takdah Cantonment Hospital early on Friday after incessant rain, trapping four people — three patients and a caretaker — inside.