Relentless rain triggers massive landslides in Darjeeling; 23 Dead

Darjeeling: At least 23 people, including children, were killed as relentless rain triggered one of the worst landslides in a decade in Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas on Sunda.

According to official, the heavy rain sweept away homes, cutting off roads, isolating villages, and leaving hundreds of stranded tourists amid widespread devastation.

As per the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the West Bengal’s Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri district administrations, fatalities were reported from several locations – Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Mirik Lake area and the Nagrakata area in Jalpaiguri district.

A total of 18 people have died in Darjeeling, with 11 fatalities in Mirik, the worst-hit area, and seven more in the Darjeeling subdivision, including Jorebunglow, Sukia Pokhri, and Sadar Police Station areas.

Officials warned that the death toll could rise, with several injured still in critical condition at hospitals in Darjeeling and Siliguri as the barrage of monsoon-related tragedies continued to haunt the Himalayan mountains and foothills.

The heavy rainfall began around 6pmon Saturday, impacting neighbouring regions of Sikkim, Bhutan, and Nepal, where over 50 people have reportedly died due to landslides and flash floods.

The landslides caused severe damage to crucial infrastructure, including NH-10 — the lifeline connecting Sikkim and Kalimpong — and NH-110, which links Siliguri to Darjeeling. NH-717A, the second road connecting Sikkim with Siliguri, also suffered damage at multiple points. Traffic movement on NH-10, which is the main road to Sikkim, resumed on Sunday evening.

NDRF & SDFR teams have reached Mirik and are doing rescue and relief operations. Home Ministry of Union government has declared it as National Disaster. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be visiting the affected area of Mirik tomorrow. District administration has set up 24×7 helpline numbers.

National Highway 10 has been completely blocked. National Highway 110 Siliguri-Darjeeling has also been damaged at 3 places. The SP Darjeeling Sri Navin Prakash has issued advisory and tequested the tourists and people to avoid travel if not necessary.

Dudhia Bridge connecting Siliguri Mirik and Pulbazar Bridge connecting Darjeeling-Bijanbari has collapsed. President Dropadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Governor of West Bengal Dr. C.B. Anand Bose and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have sent condolence to affected people assuring all possible helps to quick rescue and relief works.