NEW DELHI: Torrential rainfall has led to significant destruction in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong regions of West Bengal, resulting in landslides that have claimed the lives of at least seven individuals, with several others still unaccounted for, local officials reported on Sunday. Continuous precipitation has severed crucial roadways, damaged bridges, and disrupted daily activities, prompting authorities to issue urgent safety advisories.
A major landslide occurred on Saturday night near the Mirik-Sukhiapokhri road, sweeping away homes and halting vehicle movement. Darjeeling Sub-Divisional Officer Richard Lepcha confirmed initial casualty figures, indicating they could rise as rescue operations progress. “At least seven deaths have been confirmed due to a significant landslide in the Darjeeling subdivision, triggered by heavy rainfall since the previous night. Exact figures are pending as rescue efforts have only just commenced,” Lepcha stated.
Rescue and relief operations, involving local administration, police, disaster response teams, and volunteers, are currently underway. The heavy rain and slippery conditions have hampered progress. A police official noted the continuous downpour has made it “extremely difficult” for earth-moving equipment and emergency vehicles to access affected areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences for the tragedy in Darjeeling via a post on X, expressing sorrow for the loss of life and extending wishes for the swift recovery of the injured. He stated, “The situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being closely monitored, and we are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
Villages including Bishnulal Gaon, Ward 3 Lake Side, and Jasbir Gaon have reported the highest impacts, with six fatalities confirmed thus far. Another death was recorded from a tea estate, with unconfirmed reports suggesting the toll could reach 11 as rescue teams continue to sift through debris.
District authorities have established temporary relief camps and mobilized medical teams in coordination with NGOs to offer food and shelter to affected families.
The landslides have severely damaged roads and bridges, isolating remote communities. Key routes such as the Darjeeling-Siliguri road are blocked, with significant damage reported at locations like Dilaram and Whistle Khola in Kurseong. The collapse of the iron bridge at Dudhey has hindered access to Siliguri and Mirik, while the Pulbazar bridge has suffered extensive damage, disrupting travel to Thanaline and Bijanbari. National Highway 10 was closed at Chitrey due to heavy slides.
Darjeeling Superintendent of Police Praween Prakash confirmed that restoration efforts are ongoing, with hopes of clearing the roads soon. “Once cleared, we will allow vehicle access on the Hill Cart Road. However, traffic remains suspended until further notice,” he remarked, noting that restoring the Rohini route may take longer due to the involvement of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.
In an effort to ensure visitor safety, the Gorkhaland territorial administration announced a closure of all tourist attractions until further notice. Officials advised both residents and tourists to stay indoors and travel only if necessary. The Darjeeling Superintendent of Police advised against travel on the Mirik road, suggesting an alternative route via Darjeeling to Siliguri.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in sub-Himalayan West Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, valid until October 6. Warnings have also been issued regarding potential landslides and road blockages due to saturated soils and steep terrains. Local authorities reported numerous landslides and cases of soil erosion since Friday night.
Political figures reacted to the calamity. Raju Bista, BJP MP for Darjeeling, expressed sorrow over the devastation, emphasizing that there have been fatalities and significant property damage. Bista stated that BJP workers are mobilized to assist those affected, urging political and social organizations to collaborate for timely support.
Former Lok Sabha member Suvendu Adhikari remarked on the situation on X, noting that the incessant rainfall has extensively impacted the hilly regions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong, disrupting transport links and isolating residents who lack access to essential supplies and services. Reports of casualties continue to emerge as details are still being ascertained.
