India

In 2023, the Indian region of Darjeeling, including Sonada and parts of West Bengal, was flooded by heavy rain. The masses of water caused severe damage, destroying buildings and leaving entire streets in ruins. The Holy Cross Girls’ School, where around 2000 girls are educated, was particularly affected. Their classrooms were badly damaged and supporting walls were washed away. Many of the pupils come from poorer families, most of whose parents work on tea plantations. For them, the school is not only a place of education, but often the only chance of a better future – a chance that is now threatened by the disaster.