Rainfall data Jun2015

The normal rainfall for June in Sub Himalayan W Bengal and Sikkim is 485.2mm and in the first half of Jun2015 we recd very little rainfall. From the 15Jun2015 onwards however, we more than made up in most places. Surprisingly Darjeeling received less than normal rainfall and it is pity that I do not have data for Kurseong or for Mirik (from reliable sources). (See 1 and 2 also)
Over 45 people died in the deluge of 30Jun2015 and many are still missing. In Kalimpong at least, where I have been around, many many places are on the verge of collapse and with still 2 months of rains to go, I am filled with a sense of dread.
Placed below is an image of a landslide on 30Jun2015, it took place quite near my home and it killed a young couple who had just got married.

Praful Rao,
Kalimpong,
Dist Darjeeling

The deluge of 30Jun/01Jul2015 : Darjeeling- Sikkim Himalaya

As on date the death toll has crossed 40 with approx 30 deaths being reported from Tingling Tea Estate (Limbu Gaon) and 5 deaths from around Mirik town. Local residents of Mirik where all these deaths occurred state faulty drainage as cause of the landslides.
8 people died in Kalimpong subdivision.

Photo credit : Sachin Tamang, Kurseong

Praful Rao
Kalimpong,
Dist Darjeeling

Rainfall data May2013 and a brief analysis.

Compared to a parched May2012 where almost the entire Darjeeling district ran deficient in rainfall, May2013 was a month where nearly all of Sikkim and Darjeeling district had more than our share of precipitation.
This was perhaps due to two major weather systems which formed in the Bay of Bengal and moved of inland; Cyclone Mahasen brushed past Kolkata on15May2013 and made landfall in Bangladesh while a depression crossed the coast, south east of Kolkata and headed northwest before dying out in the last week of May2013.  
In contrast, all was quiet in the Bay of Bengal in May2012.
Also on 30May2013 following incessant, heavy rain we had our first landslide fatality this year, (in Darjeeling town) along with a number of landslides all over Darjeeling  district.

Praful Rao,
Kalimpong