KOLKATA, India — A night of relentless rains turned tragic in Darjeeling, northern India, where floods and landslides claimed the lives of at least 20 people.
The disaster struck after intense overnight storms dumped nearly 300 millimeters (12 inches) of rain on the mountainous district in West Bengal. Rivers quickly swelled, unleashing raging waters that tore through bridges, roads, and homes, leaving a trail of destruction.
“In the wake of last night’s heavy cyclone in the Darjeeling hills, over 20 people have lost their lives,” confirmed lawmaker Harsh Vardhan Shringla.
Nation in Mourning
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, saying he was “pained by the loss of lives” and assured that the situation is being closely monitored.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee painted a grim picture of the damage:
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Two iron bridges collapsed
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Several major roads caved in and flooded
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Large tracts of land left completely underwater
She described the devastation as the result of “sudden huge rains within just a few hours, along with the rush of swollen river waters.”
A Growing Threat
Floods and landslides are sadly familiar during India’s monsoon season. But experts warn that climate change and unchecked development in fragile mountain regions are making such disasters more frequent, more severe, and more deadly.
For Darjeeling, known for its lush tea plantations and breathtaking hills, this tragedy is another painful reminder of how quickly nature’s fury can upend lives. Families now grieve, communities rebuild, and a nation watches in sorrow.
