9 hrs ago
Mirik Landslide Blocks Rangbhang, Downstream Residents Fear Sudden Flooding
A landslide happened near Mirik and pushed soil, rocks and debris into the Rangbhang River.
The debris is blocking the river like a natural dam.
Water is collecting behind this blockage.
People worry that heavy rain could make the blockage break suddenly.
If that happened, water could rush toward villages and roads downstream.
Residents of Namsu, Rangbhang and Dudhia are watching the situation closely.
Officials and disaster-response teams are preparing to help.
Thirty-three families affected by nearby landslides have been moved to a community hall.
A landslide at Mirik Busty-II has blocked the Rangbhang River and formed a dam-like obstruction.
The landslide began Wednesday and expanded Thursday, causing water to accumulate behind debris.
Residents in Namsu, Rangbhang and Dudhia fear a sudden release could threaten downstream settlements and infrastructure.
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista said disaster-response teams and experts were being mobilized to assess the danger.
Thirty-three families, comprising 124 people, were moved to Lepcha Community Hall after landslides at Labarbotay Lower Palzar Gaon.
- Who
- Downstream residents, local representatives, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, district officials and disaster-response teams are involved; 33 affected families have been relocated.
- What
- A landslide blocked the Rangbhang River, creating a dam-like obstruction and accumulating water.
- Where
- The blockage is at Mirik Busty-II near Pahila Goan; downstream villages include Namsu, Rangbhang and Dudhia.
- When
- The landslide began on Wednesday, grew on Thursday, and was inspected by Raju Bista on Saturday.
- Why
- The debris has obstructed the river, raising fears that accumulated water could suddenly overflow, especially after heavy rain.
Key facts
- Affected river
- Rangbhang River
- Landslide site
- Mirik Busty-II
- Reported start
- Wednesday; the landslide became larger on Thursday
- Downstream villages concerned
- Namsu, Rangbhang and Dudhia
- Families relocated
- 33 families
- People relocated
- 124 people
- Response
- Arjun Vahini Disaster Task Force members were deployed, while State Disaster Response Force and National Disaster Response Force teams and experts were being mobilized
Quotes
Kismat Subba
Upa-pradhan of Pahila Gaon School Dara-II gram panchayat
“The landslide is 700 metres down from our village settlement. The landslide started on Wednesday. A lot of water has accumulated as the debris has blocked the water flow”
telegraphindia.com
“This poses a serious risk of water accumulation and a possible sudden overflow, which could threaten nearby settlements, roads and public infrastructure”
telegraphindia.com
A local resident
Resident of a downstream village concerned about the landslide blockage
“A heavy downpour could hasten the crisis”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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