NEW DELHI: West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee condoled the loss of lives and acknowledged the disaster as torrential rains caused massive devastation across the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills in West Bengal, triggering landslides that killed at least nine people and left several others missing, officials said on Sunday.CM in a post on X, issued helpline numbers and said she would be visting the affected areas along with her chief secretary on Octorber 6, to take stock of the situation. She also announced compensation for those affected but did not disclose the amount. The continuous downpour has cut off vital roads, damaged bridges and disrupted daily life, prompting urgent safety advisories from authorities.

Landslides claim lives in Darjeeling

A major landslide struck near the Mirik-Sukhiapokhri road on Saturday night, sweeping away houses and paralysing vehicle movement. Darjeeling Sub-Divisional Officer Richard Lepcha confirmed initial deaths but said the figures could rise.

“At least nine deaths have been reported due to a major landslide in Darjeeling subdivision triggered by heavy rainfall since last night. We don’t have the exact figures right now as the rescue and relief work has just started,” Lepcha said. Rescue and relief operations are being carried out by the local administration, police, disaster response teams and volunteers. Heavy rainfall and slippery terrain have slowed down the process. A senior police officer explained that the continuous downpour had made it “extremely difficult” for earthmovers and emergency vehicles to reach the sites.

Mamata Banerjee addresses the calamity

In a post on X, the West Bengal CM said: “I am deeply worried and concerned that several areas in both North Bengal and South Bengal have been flooded due to sudden huge rains within a few hours last night as well as due to rush of excessive river waters in our State from outside.”The Bengal CM also provided helpline numbers.“State HQ and the districts are having 24×7 control rooms. Please connect my Nabanna Disaster Management Control Room at + 91 33 2214 3526 and +91 33 2253 5185, while the Toll Free Numbers are + 91 86979 81070 and 1070,” she added.

PM Modi condoles Darjeeling tragedy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged the disaster and offered condolences for the lives lost.In a post on X, PM Modi said: “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 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.”

Villages worst affected

Villages such as Bishnulal Gaon, Ward 3 Lake Side and Jasbir Gaon were among the hardest hit, where six deaths have been reported so far. Another casualty was reported from a tea estate. Several houses and tea garden quarters were damaged or buried under debris. Unconfirmed local reports suggested the toll could be as high as 11 as rescue teams continue digging through mud and rubble. District authorities have set up temporary relief camps and mobilised medical teams in coordination with NGOs to provide food and shelter to affected families.

Key routes cut off

The landslides have caused extensive damage to roads and bridges, further isolating remote communities. The main Darjeeling-Siliguri route was blocked at Dilaram and Whistle Khola in Kurseong, while the Rohini road has been severely damaged. The iron bridge at Dudhey collapsed, cutting off access to Siliguri and Mirik, while the Pulbazar bridge was badly damaged, cutting off Thanaline and other parts of Bijanbari. National Highway 10 was closed at Chitrey after heavy slides. Darjeeling superintendent of police Praween Prakash said restoration work was underway. “The roads at Whistle Khola and Dilaram are being cleared. Once open, we will allow vehicles to use the Hill Cart Road from Kurseong. Until then, traffic remains suspended,” he said. He added that restoring the Rohini route would take longer as it comes under the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).West Bengal police in a post on X, issued helpline numbers for stranded tourists stating, “due to heavy rainfall last night, landslides have occurred on some roads in Darjeeling, affecting traffic movement. Our teams are working to clear the roads, and normal traffic is expected to resume shortly. Tourists who are stranded or require assistance may contact the Darjeeling Police Control Room at +91 91478 89078.”

Tourist spots closed as precaution

The Gorkhaland territorial administration has announced the closure of all tourist spots until further notice to ensure visitor safety. Officials have also appealed to residents and tourists to remain indoors and travel only if absolutely necessary.The Darjeeling superintendent of police advised visitors to avoid travelling. “The Mirik road is also closed; travellers can use the route via Darjeeling to reach Siliguri, though there is currently no direct alternative. Restoration may take at least two to three hours due to multiple slides. We request tourists to remain in town and not travel until further updates are shared through our social media handles,” he said.

IMD issues red alert

The Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall over sub-Himalayan West Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, until October 6. The department has also warned of possible landslides and road blockages due to saturated soil and steep terrain. Since Friday night, the region has seen multiple landslides and cases of soil erosion, damaging roads and isolating tea garden settlements. Officials say the saturated ground conditions mean the risk of further slides remains high.

Political response

Raju Bista, BJP MP for Darjeeling, expressed concern over the destruction. “I am extremely anguished to learn about the massive damages caused due to extremely heavy rainfall in many parts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. There have been deaths, and loss of properties, and damages to the infrastructure,” he said. Bista added that BJP workers had been instructed to assist those affected. “We will do everything in our power to help and assist our people. I also appeal to all our Alliance Partners, and other political and social organisations in the region to coordinate efforts, so that we can reach timely help and support to those in need,” he said.Former member of the Lok Sabha and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari also acknowledged the disaster.In a post on X, he said: “Due to the incessant heavy rainfall in North Bengal, the hilly regions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong have been severely affected, with communication and transport links to the plains of Siliguri, Terai, and Dooars almost completely disrupted due to landslides and flooding.”“Thousands of residents are stranded, facing hardships without access to essential supplies and services. Reports of casualties are also coming in, details are yet to be ascertained, ” he added.

President Murmu condoles deaths

In a post on X, Droupadi Murmu said: “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.”