Tragedy Strikes the ‘Queen of Hills’: Darjeeling Landslides Devastate Region

The picturesque Darjeeling hills, often known as the ‘Queen of Hills,’ have been struck by a devastating natural calamity, as torrential, unseasonal rainfall triggered massive landslides across the district. The disaster, which began on the night of Saturday, October 4, 2025, has claimed over 20 lives and caused widespread destruction, isolating communities and leaving hundreds of tourists stranded during a major festive season.

The Cause: Unprecedented Rainfall and Geological Vulnerability

The primary trigger for the catastrophe was an exceptionally intense and sustained downpour. Meteorological data indicates that the region received over 300 mm of rainfall in a mere 12 hours, exceeding “exceptionally heavy rainfall” warnings. This deluge, combined with the already saturated, geologically fragile, and steep slopes of the sub-Himalayan region, proved disastrous.

Landslides are a recurring threat in these hills. The intense rainfall acted in two ways: it drastically increased the weight of the soil on the slopes, and it reduced the internal friction, or “glue,” holding the soil and debris together, leading to massive mudslides and slope collapses. Officials also noted the simultaneous rush of excessive river water into the state from neighboring Bhutan and Sikkim, exacerbating the flood situation in the lower plains.

Widespread Impact and Devastation

The scale of the destruction has been immense, affecting not just Darjeeling town but numerous villages and key infrastructure points:

• Fatalities and Casualties: The death toll has tragically risen above 20, with fatalities reported from multiple locations, including Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon, and the Mirik Lake area. The Mirik sub-division was reportedly the worst-hit area.
• Infrastructure Collapse: Critical connectivity was severed as multiple vital links were destroyed. The Dudia Iron Bridge, a crucial link between Mirik and Kurseong, collapsed into the river, isolating communities and cutting off a major route to Siliguri. Other key routes, including the main road at Dilaram, Whistle Khola, and the Rohini route, were completely blocked or severely damaged by landslides. National Highway 10, a lifeline for the region, was also closed in several places.
• Property and Livelihoods: The landslides swept away numerous homes and tea garden quarters, burying them under thick layers of mud and debris. The destruction of houses and the subsequent displacement have left many families homeless and without livelihoods.
• Stranded Tourists: The calamity struck during the peak Durga Puja and post-festive vacation period, leaving hundreds of domestic and foreign tourists stranded in hill stations like Mirik, Ghoom, and Lepchajagat. The severe road blockages made evacuation difficult.

Rescue and Relief Efforts

Authorities, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and civil administration, immediately launched extensive rescue and relief operations. Teams are battling continuous rain and slippery, unstable terrain to reach affected areas and search for survivors. Temporary relief camps have been established to provide food and shelter to the displaced.

The crisis has prompted a high-level response, with the state Chief Minister announcing she will visit the affected regions, and the Prime Minister expressing condolences and assuring that all possible assistance would be provided to the victims and their families.

The Path Forward

The disaster serves as a grim reminder of the region’s extreme vulnerability to intense monsoon events, a threat that is compounded by erratic weather patterns and, in some areas, unplanned construction. While immediate efforts focus on search, rescue, and restoration of connectivity, the long-term imperative remains the development of robust early warning systems, stricter adherence to land-use planning, and the implementation of effective disaster mitigation strategies to safeguard the lives of the hill communities.