Darjeeling landslide victims seek succour: 40 odd people have been temporarily kept at the St Michael's School

SNS, DARJEELING, 18 AUGUST 21 : Members of nine families, who are landslide victims and who are presently taking shelter in a school in Darjeeling, are worried about their future.

The 40 odd people have been temporarily kept at the St Michael's School below Singamari by the district administration after their houses at Rani Ban village, around 5 km from here, were damaged by a landslide on 31 July.

"It has been around 19 days that we are staying here after the district administration shifted us here. They have maintained that the process is on for our rehabilitation, but we are worried that there are chances of schools reopening soon. Where will we go if that happens?" said one of the victims, Sunita Rai.

According to her, help is being provided to them by different political parties also due to which they have enough food, which they share.

Another victim, Margaret, said, "We have come to know that those houses that have been damaged fully will get about Rs 75,000 and those that have been partially damaged will get about Rs 38,000. Everyone knows what type of houses can be built with that amount. Moreover, not everyone can afford to stay in a rented house."

According to another victim, Indra Bahadur Rai, they have been given assurances that Iand will be given to them and that the district administration had also asked if they could find a place where they can be rehabilitated. "However, we feel there is no guarantee that all this will happen," Mr Rai said.