The continuing landslide at Rimbi in Gyalshing district has brought renewed attention to the fragile mountain slopes of the region, where prolonged rainfall, unstable geological formations and changing water flow appear to be interacting to destabilise the hillside.
The present Rimbi–Singlitam slope movement became increasingly active from August 2026 and has since expanded, affecting homes and forcing residents from vulnerable areas. Authorities have been monitoring the situation as fresh movement and debris continue to pose risks to the settlement below.
The problem, however, cannot simply be described as a soil failure. The wider Rimbi–Yuksom area has slopes comprising soil over fractured and jointed rock formations. Such terrain can become particularly vulnerable when prolonged rainfall allows water to penetrate the soil and cracks within the underlying rock.
As the ground becomes saturated, water pressure can increase within the slope, reducing its stability. Once movement begins, large quantities of soil, weathered rock and boulders can travel downslope, creating a secondary threat in the lower areas.
Water flow is another critical part of the Rimbi situation. Landslide debris has accumulated around the NiK Kholsa stream, affecting natural drainage. The Rimbi River has also altered its course in places and is reportedly eroding the roadside slope. Such changes can concentrate water against already weakened ground, potentially accelerating erosion and further slope movement.
This creates a dangerous cycle: rainfall weakens the upper slope, slope failure sends debris downward, debris alters drainage, and concentrated water can then erode the lower slope.
The history of landslides in the wider Rimbi area also shows that slope instability is not entirely new. A major landslide in Upper Rimbi/Yangthang in September 2025 caused fatalities, while earlier incidents have affected roads and infrastructure.
The immediate question, therefore, is not simply whether Rimbi has a “soil problem” or a “rock problem”. It is how rock structure, soil, rainfall, groundwater and river erosion are interacting across the entire slope system.
Whether particular portions of Rimbi should be considered permanently unsafe requires detailed geological and geotechnical assessment. Field mapping, subsurface investigations, drainage studies and continuous monitoring would be necessary before drawing such a conclusion.
For residents living below the active slope, however, the message is already clear: until the ground stabilises and scientific assessments establish safe zones, continued vigilance and precaution remain essential.
