Geyzing, West Sikkim, has been hit by a swarm of low-intensity earthquakes that began in the last week of January and have continued almost daily, prompting widespread fear and disrupted sleep among residents, especially in towns and high-rise buildings. The epicentres have been largely around Geyzing, with repeated mild shocks reported at night and minor tremors persisting through daytime; residents said multiple jolts were felt on the intervening nights of February 5–6 and again on February 7, 8, 9 and 10.
While no major structural collapse has been reported, some households and public infrastructure have suffered minor damage. The ongoing shaking has forced many families to leave their homes at night and shelter in open spaces and on streets for safety. “We are not able to sleep for the past several days as the earthquakes have been continuous and pose inevitable risks to life and property. We have no other option but to take refuge in open spaces, leaving our home, as we cannot risk the lives of our family,” said a resident of Geyzing bazar. Another resident said he had moved his family to his brother’s wooden house, worried about the safety of concrete structures.
Health officials report that people with heart conditions and psychiatric illnesses have been among the worst affected; several such patients have been hospitalised or placed on medication after episodes of severe stress and anxiety linked to the tremors. Residents in the Yuksam–Tashiding constituency also described unusual subterranean sounds after some shocks. “Some moments after the tremors, we hear peculiar sounds like blasts or explosions from beneath the ground. It is frightening. We have never heard such intense sounds after earthquakes before,” a Tashiding resident said, and called for detailed scientific study of the phenomenon.
Concerned citizens have questioned local preparedness and urged regular updates on earthquake monitoring, timely public advisories and strengthened disaster-response measures. They also raised alarms about the reported absence of seismic instruments in the district to measure earthquake magnitudes. Ganesh Rai, district project officer of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), said the situation is being closely monitored and that the department is prepared to respond to emergencies. He acknowledged the lack of earthquake-measuring instruments in the district but said the DDMA is equipped to handle major earthquake-related situations. As a precaution, the DDMA has begun public awareness campaigns using loudspeaker announcements in Darap, Pelling and Lingchom, with Geyzing bazar and other areas to be covered soon; audio advisories have also been shared on digital platforms. “We are monitoring the situation and are well prepared to tackle any earthquake-related risks in the district. We appeal to the public not to panic and to follow the safety measures shared during the awareness campaigns,” Rai said.
District collector Tenzing D. Denzongpa, who chairs the DDMA, was unavailable for comment at the time and assured he would share his views on Tuesday (February 10). Residents continue to press for clearer monitoring, scientific investigation of the sounds and stronger preparedness as tremors persist.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/quakes-keep-west-sikkim-awake-residents-seek-safety-outdoors
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