20 killed in Darjeeling landslips, scores stuck

At least 20 persons, including several children, were killed and dozens injured as heavy rainfall triggered massive landslides across the Mirik and Darjeeling hills in West Bengal on Sunday, sweeping away homes, cutting off roads, isolating villages and leaving hundreds of tourists stranded, officials said.

Fatalities were reported from several locations, including Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagrakata and Mirik Lake area.

North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha termed the situation “alarming”. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), in a statement, said at least 11 persons died in Mirik, the worst-affected area, while seven injured were rescued. In Darjeeling, seven persons died and the rescue operations were underway with the help of police, local administration and disaster response teams.

Hundreds of tourists, who had flocked to the Darjeeling hills to enjoy Durga Puja and post-Puja festivities, have been left stranded as heavy rainfall triggered massive landslides.

Many of them, including families and groups from Kolkata and other parts of Bengal, were visiting popular spots such as Mirik, Ghoom and Lepchajagat when the rains lashed the hills since Saturday.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced compensation for the victims without specifying the amount and the number of deaths. She said she would visit north Bengal on October 6 to assess the situation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences over the deaths and said the situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being closely monitored.

At least 40 persons were rescued from debris in Dhar Gaon, Nagarakata, where heavy mudslides flattened several houses.

The landslides disrupted traffic movement on key routes, including the Mirik-Sukhiapokhri road, while communication lines to several hilltop settlements were snapped.

PM vows all help

The situation in Darjeeling & surrounding areas is being closely monitored. Deeply pained by the loss of lives.... We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected. Narendra Modi, PM

Speaking to a news channel over the phone, the CM described the situation as “grave”.

“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.

According to Banerjee, more than 300 mm of rainfall occurred in just 12 hours, causing severe flooding and landslides across at least seven locations.

She compared the situation to the intense flooding that Kolkata experienced last month during the festive season.

“There has been continuous, heavy rain for 12 hours. Landslides have occurred at seven locations. I am keeping a close watch and hope to reach by around 3 pm on Monday,” she said.

Thousands of tourists have been stranded across the region due to the landslides and road blockages. The CM assured them that the state government would make arrangements to bring them back safely and appealed to tourists not to panic or rush to leave.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in sub-Himalayan West Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, till October 6, warning of more landslides and road blockages due to saturated soil conditions.

According to the NDRF, road connectivity remains severely disrupted in Darjeeling district and North Sikkim, and an iron bridge connecting Siliguri with the Mirik-Darjeeling route has been damaged, cutting off access to the region.