Yet another rain havoc hits Darjeeling : Multiple landslides

EOI, DARJEELING, SEPTEMBER 27, 2024: Incessant rainfall in the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong over the past four days has triggered multiple landslides and mudslides, damaged roads and houses, and thrown normal life out of gear. Landslides have been reported in Rimbik Lodhoma, Kaijaley, Vah Tukvar, and Chalamthung in Sindebong GP. Huge boulders and mud debris have fallen on roads in Singamari and Bhalukhop, while a big stretch of the road at Ghoom Bhanjyang has torn off near S.K. Road. A house has been partially damaged in Thurbo Village in Mirik. However, there is no report of fatalities from anywhere.

After the heatwave that lasted for three days, with temperatures shooting up to 28 degrees in Darjeeling, it has been raining continuously since Tuesday, with no signs of relief anytime soon. The Met department issued a red alert warning for the hills on Friday, as heavy rains pounded Darjeeling throughout the day.

National Highway 10, the arterial road connecting the Darjeeling hills with Sikkim, is closed due to the continuous falling of huge boulders and mudslides blocking the road at Birik Dara and Likhubhir near 29th Mile. The River Teesta is in spate due to four days of heavy rainfall. Water has breached the banks. In the past 24 hours, Darjeeling has recorded 105.08 mm of rain, Kurseong 148.2 mm, and Kalimpong 62.40 mm of rainfall. The district administrations of Darjeeling and Kalimpong are on high alert and are monitoring the situation closely.