Darjeeling, October 5 — At least 20 people have been killed and scores remain missing after incessant heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides across the Darjeeling hills in northern West Bengal on Saturday night, sweeping away homes, collapsing bridges and cutting off remote hamlets. The disaster, which struck areas including Mirik and Kurseong, has prompted the deployment of National Disaster Response Force teams and a red alert from the India Meteorological Department for further landslides until October 6, according to details received by The Chenab Times.
The landslides began around 8 p.m. on October 4, fueled by over 200 mm of rain in 24 hours, saturating slopes in the sub-Himalayan region. In Mirik sub-division, the worst-hit area, 11 deaths were confirmed, with debris burying houses and vehicles along the Mirik-Sukhiapokhri road. Six more fatalities occurred in Darjeeling town, including children, while two people went missing after a mudslide engulfed a family home in Jasbir village near Mirik, as per PTI reports. The Dudia Iron Bridge, a vital link between Mirik and Kurseong, collapsed into a swollen stream, trapping several vehicles and stranding tourists. Additional slides blocked National Highway 110 near Hussain Khola, snapping communication lines to hilltop settlements.
North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha described the situation as “alarming,” pegging the toll at 20 based on preliminary reports from local authorities. “The loss of lives is tragic. As per our reports, eleven people have died in Mirik and six in Darjeeling,” Guha said, as reported by TOI. Rescue operations, involving police, disaster response teams and local volunteers, recovered seven bodies in Kurseong by Sunday morning, with Additional Superintendent of Police Abhishek Roy confirming two more deaths in the district. Over 50 injuries were reported, with the injured treated at local hospitals amid fears of rising numbers as access improves.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced compensation for victims without specifying amounts and scheduled a visit to north Bengal on October 6 to assess damage in the tourist-heavy region. “Authorities are closely monitoring the situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas affected by heavy rainfall and landslides,” Banerjee posted on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, stating, “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.” President Droupadi Murmu echoed, “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.”
The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in sub-Himalayan West Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, until October 6, warning of saturated soil leading to more slides and road blockages, as per TOI reports. Rainfall exceeded 150 mm in parts of Darjeeling, causing flash floods in the Teesta River basin and isolating over 20 villages. Sikkim, adjacent to the affected areas, reported roads cut off and power outages, though no deaths were confirmed there yet.
Darjeeling Sub-Divisional Officer Richard Lepcha stated rescue efforts were underway, with NDRF teams deployed to clear debris and search for missing persons. “Vehicles stuck in debris after landslips due to heavy rainfall,” Lepcha noted, as per ANI reports, highlighting the challenges in reaching remote spots. Local administration urged residents to avoid travel and stay indoors, while tourist spots like Tiger Hill remained closed.
The disaster follows a pattern of monsoon-related calamities in the Himalayas, exacerbated by climate change and deforestation. In 2023, similar rains in Sikkim caused over 40 deaths and the Teesta III dam breach. Authorities in West Bengal have initiated relief distribution, including food and medical aid, with helicopters on standby for evacuation. The toll may rise as more areas are accessed, with unconfirmed reports of additional missing in Kalimpong.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
