Monsoon pours slides across Dentam and Gyalshing; Over 30 houses damaged, more than 100 people relocated

Rain-lashed debris on the road from Gyalshing to Dentam in West Sikkim. [foto courtesy PEMA GYATSO]

ANAND OBEROI
GANGTOK, 18 June: The monsoon has been around for less than a fortnight and even though the State is yet to experience ferocious downpours, the slips and slides have already begun in earnest. After monsoon related mayhem in North Sikkim [the Lachung flashflood and frequently blocked roads] and East Sikkim [the Rolep flashflood which claimed seven lives] over the past couple of weeks, this weekend delivered the monsoon’s devastating calling card on West Sikkim which reports over 30 houses damaged and over a hundred persons relocated to stable and safer locations as massive landslides hit various parts there Sunday night.
The Dentam and Gyalshing BACs have taken the brunt of the heavy and continuous rains in the district. 15 houses were totally damaged in Dentam block with 9 houses in Ferek basti. Another 6 houses have been destroyed in GPUs like Maneybong and Sophlaka, it is learnt.
Two bulls belonging to Man Bahadur Rai were also killed in Ferek basti which has been hit severely. Livestock and personal belongings of many families have been lost in the slide and the only little they could salvage before their houses collapsed are the only belongings they now own. These families have lost small landholdings and homes and have now been relocated to areas with the help of the gram panchayats, the BDOs and the West district administration.
As per the District Project officer (DPO), West, Jigmee Bhutia, officials made a tour of the entire area and have provided relief materials along with instructions to the different organizations, state and non-governmental to start with the evacuation and relocation of the displaced families.
The DPO also informed that with the monsoons just in its preliminary stage, the coming days could prove even more dangerous for different areas in the district which although sparsely populated has many villages set in remote areas.
However, he added that the district administration and the disaster management cells set up in different GPUs, block and district level, will ensure that relief and other provisions under the incentives of the state government would be provided to the victims.
Another blow to normal life in the district has been reported from Kyongsa GPU under Gyalshing BAC where residents have been relocated after 4 houses in the village were damaged in a landslide. The house of one MB Rai has been totally destroyed with all his belongings lost to the massive debris. The representatives of the nagar panchayat of Gyalshing have been entrusted the responsibility of rehabilitation and relocating these families who have also been provided with tarpaulin sheets for makeshift shelters in the area.
In Lower Bhaluthang another 4 houses have collapsed with all the displaced families now living in makeshift shelters. The district administration with the coordination of the panchayats have started with the relief works here, it is informed.
The newly constructed building at Lower Bhaluthang primary school has also suffered a major blow from a slide in the school area. With the school building in a precarious position with the threat of another massive slide engulfing the entire structure, the school authorities have decided to use the old structure to house classes.
In Upper Omlok which also falls under Gyalshing BAC, seven houses have been severely or partially damaged. Adequate relief materials have been provided to the families and most families have relocated to makeshift housing centers like government buildings.
Another setback to infrastructure due to heavy rains is that the supporting columns and a considerable part of a recently constructed suspension foot bridge over the Rangeet connecting Karzey in West Sikkim and Borong-Phamtam in South Sikkim have been washed away. With the bridge destroyed by the raging Rangeet, the only link for affected villagers has been cut-off.