The picturesque hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong in North Bengal, known for their scenic beauty and tea gardens, have once again faced the wrath of nature. Heavy rainfall triggered devastating landslides across the region, claiming lives, damaging properties, and causing massive disruption. Landslides in hilly regions, particularly during monsoons, are a recurring issue, but the severity this time has shaken the local communities and disrupted essential infrastructure, including vital roads connecting the region.
A Tragic Incident in Darjeeling
The most tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday in the Sukhia Pokhari block of Darjeeling district, where a landslide claimed the life of Raghubir Rai, a 78-year-old villager from Bijuwa village. The landslide, triggered by relentless overnight rain, sent boulders tumbling down the slopes, crushing a portion of Rai’s home. Despite the best efforts of local authorities and emergency responders, Rai died on the spot, making him one of the latest victims of nature's fury in the region. Remarkably, four other members of Rai's family, who were in the same house, managed to escape with their lives, though deeply shaken by the tragic loss.
Uday Dewan, a sabhasad (representative) of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), confirmed the incident, stating, "The family had a miraculous escape, but unfortunately, Raghubir Rai could not be saved."
Damage to Infrastructure
In addition to loss of life, the heavy rains also caused extensive damage to infrastructure in both Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. Landslides were reported in six locations along the Mirik-Sukhia Pokhari-Darjeeling state highway, a crucial route connecting different parts of the hills. While efforts were quickly made to clear the debris, the situation highlighted the fragility of the region’s infrastructure when faced with heavy rainfall.
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National Highway 10, which is the lifeline for both Kalimpong and the neighboring state of Sikkim, also saw fresh landslides. Boulders had blocked key sections of the highway, further disrupting transportation and communication in the region. However, swift action by local authorities ensured that the debris was cleared within hours using earthmovers, restoring partial connectivity to the affected areas.
A recently constructed bridge at Balwabans near Darjeeling town, built with assistance from the local Hamro Party, was submerged due to the relentless downpour, affecting nearby areas.
Landslides in Kalimpong and Jamuney
Kalimpong, another hill district that is heavily dependent on road connectivity for the movement of goods and people, also suffered from landslides. Kalimpong district magistrate Balasubramaniam T has been closely monitoring the situation. The continuous rainfall has raised concerns about further landslides, prompting authorities to remain on high alert.
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In Jamuney, a popular tourist destination located on the outskirts of Darjeeling town, the heavy rain led to severe flooding, inundating the park that is usually frequented by visitors. The roads leading to Jamuney have been closed due to safety concerns, cutting off the area from the main town. "All streams in and around Jamuney have flooded due to the continuous rainfall. Roads leading to Jamuney are closed," reported Lacheng Tamang, a local resident who witnessed the unfolding disaster.
Twelve families residing in Kaijaley, located within the Bijanbari community block, were severely affected by landslides and were promptly shifted to safer locations by local officials. The swift action taken by the administration in relocating these families averted further casualties.
Jalpaiguri Villages Also Impacted
The heavy rainfall did not spare the lower hills and plains of North Bengal either. In the Jalpaiguri district, which lies at the foothills of the Himalayas, many villages faced severe flooding. The Teesta River, which flows through the region, swelled due to the incessant rainfall, washing away homes in Chamakdangi village in the Dabgram 1 gram panchayat area. As a result, several residents were forced to abandon their homes and seek shelter in government relief camps.
The residents, already familiar with the flood-prone nature of their area, acted quickly to move to safer locations, but the loss of property and livelihood has left many uncertain about their future. The floodwaters from the Teesta River have severely affected the local economy, with agricultural fields submerged and homes reduced to rubble.
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The Role of Climate Change
The recent events in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills have once again raised questions about the impact of climate change on the region. Landslides have always been a natural hazard in hilly terrains, but the increasing intensity and frequency of these disasters have drawn attention to the changing weather patterns. Scientists and environmentalists believe that erratic monsoons and excessive rainfall in shorter durations are contributing to more frequent landslides in the Himalayas.
Climate change has resulted in unpredictable weather patterns, with some regions experiencing more intense rainfall over shorter periods. This creates conditions conducive to landslides, particularly in areas with loose soil and deforested slopes. Deforestation, rampant construction, and the alteration of natural water channels have exacerbated the risks in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong regions, where the terrain is already fragile.
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Local Administration's Response
In response to the crisis, district administrations in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Jalpaiguri have stepped up relief efforts. Emergency teams are working round the clock to clear blocked roads, assist affected families, and monitor the situation to prevent further loss of life and property. "We are continuously monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to ensure the safety of residents," said Kalimpong district magistrate Balasubramaniam T, underlining the administration's commitment to tackling the disaster.
The local authorities have also urged residents in landslide-prone areas to move to safer locations and stay alert to the potential dangers posed by the heavy rain. Temporary relief shelters have been set up in several areas to house displaced families, and efforts are underway to provide food, water, and medical assistance to those affected.
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Long-Term Solutions Needed
While the immediate response has been commendable, the frequent occurrence of landslides in the region highlights the need for long-term measures to mitigate the risks. Experts recommend that authorities invest in early warning systems, sustainable land-use practices, and reforestation efforts to reduce the vulnerability of the hills to landslides. Strengthening the infrastructure, especially roads and bridges, is also essential to prevent such large-scale disruptions in the future.
Moreover, stricter regulations on construction activities in landslide-prone zones, combined with community awareness programs could help minimize the impact of future disasters.
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