A series of devastating landslides, triggered by relentless monsoon rains, has caused widespread destruction across Darjeeling, West Bengal. The beloved Himalayan region, known as the “Queen of the Hills,” is currently facing a catastrophic natural disaster, leaving a trail of terror and ruin.
Viral Visuals Show Unfolding Catastrophe
Heart-stopping visuals emerging from the hill districts are flooding social media, painting a grim picture of the situation. What were once gentle streams have morphed into raging, muddy torrents. The mighty Teesta river, the region’s lifeline, is flowing well above the danger mark, its churning brown waters swallowing everything in their path.
The most shocking footage shows a vital bridge near Melli Bazaar, a critical link on the border of Sikkim and Kalimpong district, being completely washed away. In a matter of seconds, the concrete artery vanishes into the monstrous river—a terrifying testament to nature’s raw power.
Critical Infrastructure Destroyed: NH10 Blocked
The damage to infrastructure is widespread. National Highway 10, the primary road connecting Sikkim and Kalimpong with the rest of the country, has been severely damaged or blocked at multiple points. Gaping chasms have opened up on what were once motorable roads, effectively cutting off entire towns and villages. For residents and tourists, this isolation is a logistical nightmare and a source of growing anxiety.
The Human Cost: Homes and Livelihoods Swept Away
The human cost of the Darjeeling landslides is mounting. Reports are pouring in of homes, built on the lush hillsides, collapsing like houses of cards. Videos show people watching in horror as their neighbours’ homes are swept away in a torrent of mud and rock. Families who have lived in the region for generations have lost their homes and livelihoods in an instant.
Economic Blow to Tea and Tourism
Even the iconic tea gardens, the emerald soul of Darjeeling, have not been spared. Large swathes of precious tea bushes have been buried under debris or washed away entirely. For the local economy, which is heavily dependent on tea and tourism, this is a devastating blow with long-term repercussions.
Rescue Operations and Contributing Factors
Rescue and relief operations are underway, but they are being severely hampered by the extreme weather conditions. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), alongside local authorities, is working around the clock to evacuate stranded people and clear the blocked roads.
Experts suggest this disaster is a dangerous cocktail of extreme weather, likely exacerbated by climate change, and the fragile geology of the young Himalayan range. Unplanned construction and deforestation are also cited as factors that weaken the soil’s stability during such intense rainfall. As the rain continues, a palpable fear hangs over the hills, testing the resilience of the people of Darjeeling.
