NEW DELHI: At least 20 people, including children, have died and scores have been injured as relentless downpours triggered massive landslides across the Mirik and Darjeeling hills in West Bengal on Sunday. Homes were swept away, roads severed, and hundreds of tourists stranded, officials said. The national disaster response force (NDRF) and district authorities are coordinating rescue operations in the worst-hit areas.North Bengal development minister Udayan Guha said that the situation is “alarming,” according to news agency PTI. “As of now the death toll is 20. It is likely to go up. I am on my way to the area,” he said.
Mirik worst hit
According to NDRF, Mirik bore the brunt of the disaster, with 11 fatalities recorded. Seven injured individuals have been rescued from landslide-affected zones, while several homes were flattened by mud and debris.
People look at the debris scattered around after heavy rainfall triggers landslides, in Darjeeling. (Pic credit: PTI)
Darjeeling sees multiple fatalities
In Darjeeling, seven people died due to heavy rainfall-triggered landslides. Rescue efforts are underway, supported by police, local administration, and disaster response teams.“Seven deaths have been reported due to a major landslide in Darjeeling subdivision triggered by heavy rainfall since last night. The rescue and relief work is on,” Darjeeling sub-divisional officer (SDO) Richard Lepcha told PTI.
Villages and areas affected
Fatalities and damages were reported from Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagrakata, and the Mirik Lake area, highlighting the widespread impact of the calamity.
Tourists stranded amid festivities
Hundreds of tourists, including families from Kolkata and other parts of Bengal, were stranded in popular hill stations such as Mirik, Ghoom, and Lepchajagat. Many had visited for Durga Puja and post-Puja festivities.
Rescue operation underway after landslides hit the area following heavy rainfall, in Darjeeling. (Pic credit: PTI)
Prime Minister Modi condoles
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and assured close monitoring of the situation. In a social media post, he confirmed that all possible assistance would be provided to affected families.“Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to a bridge mishap in Darjeeling. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The situation in Darjeeling and the 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,” he said in a post on X.
Chief minister’s response
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee described the situation as “grave” and announced government compensation for victims. She will visit North Bengal on October 6 to assess the damage personally, PTI said citing local news channel.“Due to incessant rain in Bhutan, water has overflowed into North Bengal. This disaster is unfortunate – natural calamities are beyond our control. We are deeply saddened. I held virtual meetings with officials of five affected districts along with the chief secretary. I have been monitoring the situation since 6 am,” she said.
People gather along a shore after heavy rainfall triggers landslides, in Darjeeling. (Pic credit: PTI)
Rescue and relief efforts
The NDRF reported that 40 people were rescued from Dhar Gaon, Nagarakata, where mudslides destroyed multiple homes. Temporary relief camps have been established, and families in high-risk areas have been shifted to safer locations.
Road and communication disruptions
Landslides blocked key routes, including the Mirik-Sukhiapokhri road, and severed communication lines to several hilltop settlements. An iron bridge connecting Siliguri with the Mirik-Darjeeling route was damaged, further isolating the region.
Weather warnings and red alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for sub-Himalayan West Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, warning of further landslides and road disruptions due to saturated soils.
Officials struggle with terrain and rain
Continuous rain and slippery slopes are hampering rescue operations. Disaster teams are finding it difficult to reach affected areas, while local NGOs and district administration work to provide relief to displaced families.
