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Darjeeling Disaster Strands Tourists, Emphasizes Need for Travel Insurance

by Celia

Heavy rainfall in Darjeeling, a popular hill station in North Bengal, has caused severe landslides and flooding, leaving roads washed away, bridges collapsed, and homes damaged. The disaster has tragically claimed the lives of over 20 people, while hundreds of tourists have been stranded.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, but some areas remain inaccessible. Tourists have been urged to stay safe until evacuation is possible. Similar natural disasters, such as the floods in Manali last month, have shown how quickly tourist destinations can be disrupted.

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In times of crisis like these, travel insurance can be a crucial safety net. “If your flight is canceled or delayed due to a natural disaster, travel insurance can cover those costs. If you’re stranded in a remote location, it can cover accommodation and meal expenses. And if medical emergencies arise, it can help with hospitalization and repatriation,” says Meet Kapadia, head of travel insurance at Policybazaar.

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Sarita Joshi, head of health and life insurance at Probus, explains that travel insurance generally covers a wide range of financial losses caused by natural disasters. In cases like the Darjeeling floods, a comprehensive travel insurance plan could cover trip cancellations or interruptions due to events such as road blockages, airport closures, or evacuation orders. “It can also reimburse non-refundable expenses like hotel bookings or flight tickets.

If tourists are stranded, the policy may cover additional accommodation or transport costs. Some plans even provide emergency evacuation coverage to move travelers to a safer location or to the nearest medical facility if needed,” adds Joshi.

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