Sikkim Mourns as Landslip Claims Life of Esteemed Panchayat President, Unleashing Devastation in Gyalshing

Sikkim is reeling from a profound tragedy that struck its picturesque Gyalshing district, where a devastating landslip claimed the life of a revered community leader. Dhan Bahadur Darjee, the esteemed President of the Upper Lungzik-Kambal Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU), tragically perished when his home was engulfed by a massive landslide, leaving a void in the hearts of those he served and a community grappling with immense loss.

The catastrophic incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday, around 1 AM, when torrential rainfall unleashed a formidable landslip in the Upper Lungzik area.

Sleeping soundly in his dwelling, Darjee was caught unaware as the earth beneath him gave way, burying his house completely. The sheer force of nature transformed the serene landscape into a scene of unimaginable destruction, isolating the area and plunging residents into a state of panic and helplessness.

In a heart-wrenching twist of fate, Darjee’s family, including his wife, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, miraculously escaped the disaster.

They had chosen to sleep in another room that night, a decision that inadvertently saved their lives from the relentless fury of the landslip. Their survival stands as a stark reminder of the arbitrary nature of such calamities, while simultaneously underscoring the profound grief of losing a loved one in such a sudden and violent manner.

Upon discovery of the devastating event, locals immediately sprang into action, initiating desperate rescue efforts.

Their valiant attempts were soon bolstered by the arrival of specialized teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and the district administration. Working tirelessly against challenging conditions, the collective efforts ultimately led to the grim recovery of Darjee’s body, bringing a somber closure to the search and confirming the community's worst fears.

The repercussions of this massive landslip extend far beyond the immediate tragedy.

The relentless deluge of earth has inflicted widespread damage across the Gyalshing district. Numerous other houses have been partially or completely destroyed, displacing families and rendering them homeless. Crucial road networks, lifelines for these remote communities, have been severed, disrupting transportation and hampering aid efforts.

Furthermore, vast tracts of invaluable agricultural land, the sustenance for many local families, have been irrevocably damaged, threatening livelihoods and long-term recovery.

This latest calamity serves as a stark and painful reminder of Sikkim’s inherent vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly during the monsoon season.

The mountainous terrain, coupled with increasingly erratic weather patterns, makes the region prone to frequent and often deadly landslips. As authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and coordinate relief operations, the event underscores the critical need for enhanced disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and sustained support for communities living in high-risk zones.

As Upper Lungzik mourns the loss of a dedicated leader and confronts the immense task of rebuilding, the spirit of resilience among its people shines through.

The tragic passing of Dhan Bahadur Darjee will forever be etched in the memory of Sikkim, serving as a powerful testament to the devastating power of nature and the enduring strength of community in the face of adversity.