Landslides and flash floods triggered by incessant heavy rain have ravaged parts of Sikkim, claiming multiple lives, including that of a panchayat president who died in a landslide in Gyalshing district on Saturday evening.

Rajen Gurung, 47, was president of the Sardong Lunzick gram panchayat unit, part of the Maneybong-Dentam constituency. He died after being trapped under the landslide debris near his home at Sardung Lama Gaon around 7 pm.

In his condolence message for Gurung, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang wrote, “Deeply Saddened, we are deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely demise of Rajen Gurung, Panchayat President of 19 Sardong Lunzick GPU, Gyalshing District, who lost his life in a landslide near his residence yesterday evening.”

“In this moment of profound grief, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and pray for eternal peace to the departed soul. Late Shri Gurung’s selfless service to his community and his tireless contributions towards the welfare of the people will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude,” he further wrote on Facebook.

Chief Minister Tamang said the district administration and other authorities promptly responded to the incident and were providing all necessary support to Gurung’s family members and the affected area.

Since Friday, heavy rain has led to flash floods and multiple landslides, with rescue and relief operations ongoing. Emergency services are actively working to evacuate residents and mitigate the destruction. On Thursday, a massive landslide struck Upper Rimbi village in West Sikkim, burying two houses and claiming four lives.

With weather forecasts predicting continued rain, authorities have urged residents in landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant and relocate to safer locations.