At Least 9 Dead as Heavy Rains Trigger Devastating Landslides in Darjeeling
Incessant heavy rainfall has triggered multiple landslides across West Bengal's Darjeeling hills, resulting in at least nine fatalities and leaving two others missing. The landslides have swept away homes, damaged key roads, and severed communication with several remote areas. Rescue operations involving the NDRF are underway in challenging conditions, particularly in the hard-hit Mirik region. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert, warning of more landslides as saturated soil conditions persist.
Unpacked:
The Darjeeling hills have steep slopes, fragile geological formations like Darjeeling Gneiss, and high rainfall during the monsoon. These factors, combined with deforestation and dense road networks, make the region highly susceptible to landslides, especially when soil becomes saturated with water.
Previous major landslides, such as the 1968 disaster, killed over 1,000 people, destroyed homes, and divided highways, isolating communities for days or weeks due to blocked roads and damaged communication networks.
Rescue teams struggle with blocked or destroyed roads, ongoing rainfall, unstable terrain, and limited access to remote villages. These factors slow down aid delivery and make it dangerous for both rescuers and survivors.
Mitigation efforts include landslide susceptibility mapping, improved drainage, afforestation, regulated construction, early warning systems, and community awareness programs. However, effective implementation remains a challenge due to terrain and resource limitations.