Image Source: Kalimpong
Relentless heavy rainfall triggered massive landslides across West Bengal’s Darjeeling district on Saturday, killing at least 17 people, flattening homes, damaging roads, and cutting off several remote villages, officials said. The death toll is expected to rise as authorities continue searching damaged areas, with varying reports of casualties emerging.
North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha described the situation as “alarming” and cited preliminary reports confirming 17 deaths. Meanwhile, some news agencies reported the toll could be as high as 20.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with the district administration, police, and disaster response teams actively involved. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed in the Mirik Lake area, one of the worst-hit zones.
According to the NDRF and district authorities, nine deaths have been officially confirmed, with two people still missing. Fatalities were reported from multiple locations, including Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), and the Mirik Lake area. Four survivors were rescued from debris in Dhar Gaon, where heavy mudslides destroyed several houses.
The continuous rain has badly affected traffic on key hill routes such as the Mirik-Sukhiapokhri road, while communication lines to higher-altitude settlements remain severed. Several interior villages are inaccessible, further complicating relief efforts.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep concern over the severe flooding in North and South Bengal. She said, “Yesterday night there was sudden rainfall exceeding 300 mm in 12 hours in North Bengal, and there was simultaneously excessive flow of water into the Sankosh river and general flow of river waters from Bhutan and Sikkim. This caused disasters.” She offered condolences to the families of the deceased and assured immediate assistance.
Minister Udayan Guha confirmed that 11 people have died in Mirik and six in Darjeeling, though the numbers are still being verified. A senior police officer added that continuous rainfall is obstructing search and rescue missions. “The terrain is slippery, and several houses have been damaged. Earthmovers are finding it extremely difficult to operate on these slopes,” he said.
Authorities evacuated several families from Bishnulal Gaon, Ward 3 Lake Side, and Jasbir Gaon in Mirik, relocating them to safer areas. Temporary relief camps have been set up with support from local NGOs and the district administration.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for sub-Himalayan West Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, warning of extremely heavy rainfall through October 6. Officials cautioned residents about potential fresh landslides and further road blockages in the coming days.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the loss of life, saying, “The tragic loss of lives due to heavy rain and landslides in Darjeeling, West Bengal, is distressing. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue and relief operations and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed sorrow, stating he is “deeply pained" by the deaths caused by the bridge mishap in Darjeeling. He added, “Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
The ongoing rescue efforts continue amid persistent rainfall, with authorities prioritizing the safety of stranded residents and the restoration of vital communication and transport links.
