Why landslides are so common in India during monsoons
At least 14 people lost their lives in Darjeeling and Kalimpong after heavy rains triggered landslides this weekend.
Rescue teams are struggling with tough terrain and bad weather, and a key bridge near Teesta Bazaar collapsed, cutting off communication lines with Sikkim.
So, why does this keep happening in India?
Causes and government response
About 13% of India's land is at risk for landslides, especially in hilly regions like the Northeast.
The main reasons? Unstable slopes from unplanned construction and improper drainage, intense rainfall, and not-so-great early warning systems.
While the government launched a National Landslide Risk Management Strategy back in 2019 to map danger zones and set up alerts (with pilot systems being tested in places like Sikkim and Kerala), progress has been slow—so many vulnerable areas still aren't fully prepared.