Heavy rainfall in Darjeeling has unleashed a series of devastating landslides, causing loss of life, displacing families, and damaging infrastructure across the region. The picturesque hill district of West Bengal, known for its tea gardens and scenic beauty, faced a grim reality in July 2025 as relentless rains triggered multiple landslides. This article explores the impacts of these Darjeeling landslides, the ongoing recovery efforts, and the measures being taken to ensure safety amid forecasts of continued heavy rainfall.
The Trigger: Heavy Rainfall in Darjeeling
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported significant rainfall across North Bengal, with Darjeeling recording 72mm, Siliguri 64mm, and Malda 63mm in the 24 hours leading up to Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Kurseong saw 47mm, and Mirik recorded a staggering 70mm, exacerbating the risk of landslides in the hilly terrain. The combination of incessant rain and gusty winds since Tuesday evening created hazardous conditions, leading to multiple landslides across Darjeeling district. According to GN Raha, IMD Director for Gangtok, a strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal is expected to cause light to moderate rainfall in the coming days, urging residents to remain vigilant.
Tragic Loss of Life
The landslides claimed at least two lives in separate incidents under the jurisdiction of the Pulbazar police station. In Lower Gok, a six-year-old girl, Samanta Subba, was tragically buried alive when a massive rock fell on her due to a landslide. In another incident, 32-year-old excavator driver Pranit Jogo lost his life in Charchare Bari Jamuney when debris collapsed on him. These heartbreaking losses underscore the destructive power of natural disasters in vulnerable regions like Darjeeling, where steep slopes and heavy rainfall create a perilous combination.
Infrastructure Damage and Displacement
The heavy rainfall and landslides caused significant damage to infrastructure across Darjeeling. In Takdah, within the Rongli Rongliot block, a house was damaged when a tree fell on it due to strong winds. Similarly, two tourism department quarters were affected, impacting around ten houses in Ward 17. The Salvation Army School for the Deaf on Gandhi Road faced a safety scare when a tree, previously identified as a hazard, fell onto its playground. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident highlighted ongoing safety concerns, as the tree removal process by the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) had been halted midway.
Ten families were displaced due to landslides on Monday, July 14, 2025, and are currently housed in a nearby hotel for safety. Nitesh Gurung, Councillor of Ward No. 17, emphasized the administration’s efforts to find rented accommodations for these families. “We are actively searching for safer places for the affected families,” Gurung told The Times of India, reflecting the local government’s commitment to supporting displaced residents during this crisis.
Roadblocks and Traffic Disruptions
The landslides caused significant disruptions to transportation, with minor landslides reported in wards 5, 12, 13, 14, and 23. Tenzing Norgay Road, a key route in Darjeeling, was blocked for several hours on Wednesday morning due to debris. The quick response team from the civil defense department cleared the debris by the afternoon, restoring access. Another landslide at Swetijhora, approximately 35km from Siliguri along NH10, temporarily halted traffic, which resumed around 1:30 p.m. after clearance efforts. These disruptions highlight the challenges of maintaining connectivity in hilly regions during the monsoon season.
Impacts Beyond Darjeeling: North Bengal’s Struggles
The heavy rainfall affected other parts of North Bengal as well. In Malda, waterlogging inundated six wards, inconveniencing approximately 10,000 residents. Localities like Subhaspally, Prantapally, and Krishnapally saw knee-deep water, exposing deficiencies in the town’s sewerage system. Kanak Kumar Das, a government employee, voiced frustration, stating, “It rains for two days, and we are in soup. This is nothing new. We listen to large promises every year, but the situation during the monsoon remains unchanged.” The Trinamool Congress-run Englishbazar municipality faced scrutiny over the utilization of ₹3 crore allocated for sewerage improvements, with chairman Krishnendu Narayan Choudhury assuring residents that drainage system enhancements are underway.
In Alipurduar, the Bangri River’s sudden rise posed risks to passengers, further illustrating the widespread impact of the heavy rainfall across North Bengal. The combination of landslides, flooding, and infrastructure damage underscores the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Ongoing Rescue and Relief Efforts
The Darjeeling administration is actively responding to the crisis. Richard Lepcha, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Darjeeling, confirmed that assessment and rescue operations are ongoing in affected areas. Relief materials are being distributed to displaced families, and restoration work is in progress to address fresh landslides. “The administration is closely monitoring the situation and advises the public to report emergencies immediately for swift response,” Lepcha said, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation during this challenging time.
At the Salvation Army School for the Deaf, hostel matron Dinamit Lepcha urged authorities to complete the removal of the hazardous tree to prevent potential injuries, especially given the vulnerability of hearing-impaired students. The administration’s proactive measures, combined with community vigilance, are critical to mitigating further risks as the IMD forecasts continued heavy rainfall.
Safety Measures and Community Resilience
The Darjeeling landslides 2025 highlight the need for robust safety measures in hilly regions prone to natural disasters. The incident at the Salvation Army School for the Deaf serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing known hazards promptly. The GTA’s delay in removing the hazardous tree underscores the need for efficient coordination between local authorities and institutions to ensure public safety.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather updates and report potential risks, such as unstable trees or slopes, to authorities. The IMD’s warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming days calls for heightened preparedness, including securing temporary accommodations for displaced families and reinforcing infrastructure to withstand further rainfall.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Preparedness
As Darjeeling recovers from the landslides, the focus is on rebuilding damaged infrastructure, supporting displaced families, and preparing for future challenges. The administration’s efforts to provide relief and restore normalcy demonstrate a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity. However, the recurring nature of monsoon-related disasters in North Bengal calls for long-term solutions, such as improved drainage systems, reinforced infrastructure, and proactive hazard management.
For residents and visitors, staying informed about weather forecasts and adhering to safety advisories is crucial. The Darjeeling landslides 2025 serve as a sobering reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the importance of community solidarity in overcoming such challenges. By learning from these events, Darjeeling can strengthen its resilience and ensure a safer future for its residents.
Darjeeling Landslides 2025: Full Coverage at a Glance
Below is a knowledgeable, positive, attractive, and clickable table that covers all the key information from the provided content about the Darjeeling landslides of 2025. The table is designed to be concise, informative, and engaging, with a focus on clarity and readability to draw readers’ attention while summarizing the impacts, recovery efforts, and safety measures.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Overview | Heavy rainfall in July 2025 triggered multiple landslides in Darjeeling, West Bengal, causing loss of life, displacing families, and damaging infrastructure. The region faces ongoing challenges due to monsoon rains. |
| Rainfall Statistics | Darjeeling: 72mm, Siliguri: 64mm, Malda: 63mm, Kurseong: 47mm, Mirik: 70mm in 24 hours (up to July 16, 2025). IMD predicts continued heavy rainfall due to moisture from the Bay of Bengal. |
| Human Impact | Two fatalities reported: Samanta Subba (6-year-old girl) in Lower Gok and Pranit Jogo (32-year-old excavator driver) in Charchare Bari Jamuney, both under Pulbazar police station jurisdiction. |
| Infrastructure Damage | Damaged: One house in Takdah, two tourism department quarters, ten houses in Ward 17. A tree fell on the Salvation Army School for the Deaf’s playground, highlighting safety concerns. |
| Displacement | Ten families displaced due to landslides on July 14, 2025, currently housed in a nearby hotel. Efforts underway to find rented accommodations, led by Councillor Nitesh Gurung. |
| Traffic Disruptions | Minor landslides in wards 5, 12, 13, 14, and 23 blocked Tenzing Norgay Road for hours. NH10 at Swetijhora (35km from Siliguri) also disrupted; debris cleared by civil defense teams by afternoon. |
| Regional Impact | Malda: Waterlogging in six wards affected 10,000 residents. Alipurduar: Bangri River’s rise endangered passengers. North Bengal faces widespread flooding and infrastructure challenges. |
| Rescue and Relief Efforts | Ongoing rescue operations led by Darjeeling’s administration. Relief materials distributed to displaced families. Restoration work addresses fresh landslides, with Sub-Divisional Officer Richard Lepcha overseeing efforts. |
| Safety Concerns | A hazardous tree at the Salvation Army School for the Deaf, partially removed by GTA, poses risks to hearing-impaired students. Authorities urged to complete removal to ensure safety. |
| Weather Forecast | IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall in North Bengal, urging residents to stay vigilant and report emergencies for swift response. |
| Community Resilience | Emphasis on proactive hazard management, improved drainage systems, and community cooperation to mitigate future risks. Residents encouraged to monitor weather updates and report hazards. |
| Future Preparedness | Focus on rebuilding infrastructure, securing accommodations for displaced families, and implementing long-term solutions like reinforced infrastructure to enhance Darjeeling’s resilience against monsoons. |
Conclusion
The Darjeeling landslides of July 2025 have left a profound impact on the region, from tragic losses to widespread infrastructure damage and displacement. As the administration and community work together to recover, the focus remains on providing relief, restoring normalcy, and preparing for future challenges. By prioritizing safety, addressing vulnerabilities, and fostering resilience, Darjeeling can navigate the challenges of the monsoon season and emerge stronger. For the latest updates on Darjeeling landslides 2025 impacts and recovery, stay tuned to reliable sources and support the ongoing efforts to rebuild this beloved hill district.
FAQ: Darjeeling Landslides 2025 – Impacts, Recovery, and Safety Measures
1. What caused the Darjeeling landslides in July 2025?
The Darjeeling landslides of 2025 were triggered by heavy rainfall and gusty winds across North Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded 72mm of rainfall in Darjeeling, 64mm in Siliguri, 63mm in Malda, 47mm in Kurseong, and 70mm in Mirik in the 24 hours leading up to July 16, 2025. A strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, combined with the region’s hilly terrain, created hazardous conditions, leading to multiple landslides.
2. How many people were affected by the Darjeeling landslides 2025?
The landslides tragically claimed two lives: a six-year-old girl, Samanta Subba, in Lower Gok, and a 32-year-old excavator driver, Pranit Jogo, in Charchare Bari Jamuney. Additionally, ten families were displaced due to landslides on July 14, 2025, and are currently housed in a nearby hotel as part of the Darjeeling landslides 2025 impacts and recovery efforts.
3. What infrastructure damage was reported in Darjeeling?
The heavy rainfall and landslides damaged several structures, including a house in Takdah hit by a fallen tree, two tourism department quarters, and around ten houses in Ward 17. A tree fell on the playground of the Salvation Army School for the Deaf on Gandhi Road, raising safety concerns. No injuries were reported at the school, but the incident highlighted the need for prompt hazard management.
4. How did the landslides affect transportation in Darjeeling?
Minor landslides in wards 5, 12, 13, 14, and 23 caused roadblocks, notably on Tenzing Norgay Road, a key route in Darjeeling, which was blocked for several hours on July 16, 2025. Another landslide at Swetijhora along NH10, 35km from Siliguri, temporarily halted traffic. Quick response teams from the civil defense department cleared the debris, restoring access by the afternoon.
5. What other regions in North Bengal were impacted by the heavy rainfall?
Beyond Darjeeling, the heavy rainfall caused widespread issues in North Bengal. In Malda, waterlogging affected six wards, inconveniencing around 10,000 residents in areas like Subhaspally and Krishnapally. In Alipurduar, the Bangri River’s sudden rise posed risks to passengers, underscoring the broader regional challenges tied to the Darjeeling landslides 2025 impacts and recovery.
6. What is being done to support displaced families in Darjeeling?
The Darjeeling administration is actively supporting displaced families. Ten families displaced on July 14, 2025, are temporarily housed in a nearby hotel. Councillor Nitesh Gurung is leading efforts to secure rented accommodations for them. Relief materials are being distributed, and restoration work is ongoing to address fresh landslides as part of the recovery process.
7. How is the administration responding to the crisis?
The Darjeeling administration, led by Sub-Divisional Officer Richard Lepcha, is conducting rescue and assessment operations in affected areas. Relief materials are being provided to displaced families, and the civil defense department is clearing debris to restore connectivity. The administration is also urging residents to report emergencies promptly for a swift response to mitigate further risks.
8. What safety concerns were highlighted by the landslides?
A notable safety concern arose at the Salvation Army School for the Deaf, where a previously identified hazardous tree fell onto the playground. The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) had begun but not completed its removal, prompting calls from hostel matron Dinamit Lepcha to prioritize student safety, especially for hearing-impaired children who may not detect dangers in time.
9. What is the weather forecast for Darjeeling and North Bengal?
The IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall in North Bengal in the coming days due to a strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal. Residents are advised to stay vigilant, monitor weather updates, and report potential hazards like unstable trees or slopes to authorities to prevent further incidents.
10. How can Darjeeling prepare for future landslides?
The Darjeeling landslides 2025 impacts and recovery efforts highlight the need for long-term solutions. These include improving drainage systems, reinforcing infrastructure, and proactively managing hazards like unstable trees. Community resilience is key, with residents encouraged to stay informed about weather forecasts and cooperate with authorities to ensure safety during the monsoon season.
11. Why is community resilience important in Darjeeling’s recovery?
Community resilience is vital for overcoming the challenges posed by the landslides. The administration’s efforts, combined with community vigilance and cooperation, help address immediate needs and build a stronger future. By learning from the Darjeeling landslides 2025, the region can implement sustainable solutions to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters.
12. Where can I find updates on Darjeeling landslides 2025 impacts and recovery?
For the latest updates, follow reliable sources covering the Darjeeling landslides 2025 impacts and recovery. Local authorities, such as the Darjeeling administration and the IMD, provide critical information on relief efforts, weather forecasts, and safety advisories to keep residents and visitors informed.