Darjeeling is a hotspot in terms of seismic activity


20 September 2011
Darjeeling is a hotspot in terms of seismic activity

There were many victims of Sunday’s earthquake in Sikkim, including in the city of Darjeeling, less than 100km from the epicentre. Naturally, my heart goes out to the victims of this catastrophe, and I feel very saddened for those affected. I have been in touch with our various tea producers in the region, and fortunately none came to any harm.

Although earthquakes are fairly rare in Darjeeling, the region is a hotspot in terms of seismic activity, being situated where the Indian plate meets the Asian plate. In reality though, the people of Darjeeling suffer more frequently from landslides than earthquakes. They happen every year, and there are many victims.

This photo I took in Darjeeling gives you an idea of how homes are built here, on sloping ground, and helps illustrate the population’s vulnerability to natural catastrophes.

You like this post?
Comment
0 thoughts on “Darjeeling is a hotspot in terms of seismic activity
  1. Yes François, your picture is perfect realization of Population burst in the Himalayan regions like Darjeeling.
    Thanks for sharing. I wish to keep a followup on this. In fact have booked my travel there and I am worried to travel to Darjeeling and Sandakfu regions during 1st week of October 2011.
    Do u think these kind of Earth quakes may re-occur within next 15 days. What does experts say ?

  2. Dear Amit ! I’m more expert on tea than on seismic activity so i’m sorry not to be able to tell you if there is any risk of shake beginning of october… But don’t worry, it doesn’t happen often and I’m sure you’ll be perfectly safe. Sandakpu is a such nice place, I’m sure you’ll love it as well and at that season you may have a great view on Kanchenjunga from there. Enjoy and all the best !

Leave a Reply to Claire Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share

Similar articles

India: heavy rains cause landslides

14 September 2012

During the months of July and August there are heavy rains in Darjeeling, and many landslides occur in the weeks following the downpours. Sometimes you see a pretty little village…

Share on Facebook. Tweet this!

The little Darjeeling train requires a large crew

10 December 2010

I warned you: the little Darjeeling train steams into my blog whenever it feels like it. Here it is at home. You will see that no fewer than four people…

Share on Facebook. Tweet this!

Darjeeling: the dream and the reality

6 November 2012

This is a rather idyllic view of Darjeeling: a charming town with plenty of green space, spread out among the tea plantations in the Himalayan foothills. The reality is more…

Share on Facebook. Tweet this!

Le Palais des Thés team in Darjeeling

27 October 2011

Once a year, I ask some of the senior staff at Le Palais des Thés who have not yet been on a trip with me to pack their bags and…

Share on Facebook. Tweet this!