Heavy rainfall triggered large landslides throughout West Bengal’s Darjeeling district, inflicting widespread devastation, killing at the least 20 folks. Properties have been swept away, roads blocked, communication strains severed, and a whole bunch of vacationers stranded.
Persistent downpours triggered large landslides throughout Mirik and Darjeeling on Sunday, leveling slopes, burying roads in mud, and reducing off total villages. The dimensions of destruction has left officers calling it among the many worst such occasions in current reminiscence, killing at the least 20 folks.
The place the fatalities got here from
In response to the Nationwide Catastrophe Response Power (NDRF) and district authorities:
- Mirik was hardest hit, with 11 deaths and a number of accidents.
- Within the Darjeeling subdivision, 7 folks misplaced their lives.
- Different fatalities have been reported in Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Nagrakata, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), and the Mirik Lake space.
- North Bengal Growth Minister Udayan Guha described the state of affairs as “alarming” and warned the loss of life toll might rise.
Roads severed, bridge broken
The Mirik‑Sukhiapokhri highway, a key artery connecting hamlets, stays blocked underneath particles. An iron bridge linking Siliguri to the Mirik‑Darjeeling route has additionally been broken, additional isolating the world and complicating rescue efforts.
Vacationers stranded in hill resorts
Lots of of vacationers from Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, and past, visiting Mirik, Ghoom, and Lepchajagat for Durga Puja, have been caught unawares. With roads blocked and heavy rainfall persevering with, many stay marooned in lodges and distant villages.
The Darjeeling Police has issued a helpline quantity to assist vacationers. The vacationers who’re stranded or in want of help can contact the Darjeeling Police Management Room at +91 91478 89078.
Rescue operations on
Groups from the NDRF, police, native administration, and state catastrophe items are working around the clock to search out survivors, clear particles, and restore entry. Heavy rain and unstable terrain are slowing progress. Some folks trapped underneath rubble in Dhar Gaon and Nagarakata have been rescued. Non permanent reduction camps have been arrange, and plenty of residents in Mirik have been relocated to safer zones.
Authorities response
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a gathering at Nabanna, initiated a 24×7 management room, and introduced she would go to the area the subsequent day. She promised compensation to victims and preparations for stranded vacationers. She cited over 300 mm of rainfall in 12 hours as the reason for floods and landslides and linked heavy influx from Bhutan to the catastrophe.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the lack of lives and mentioned that the state of affairs in Darjeeling and the encompassing areas is being carefully monitored within the wake of heavy rains and landslides.
In a submit on X, PM Modi mentioned, “Deeply pained by the lack of lives because of a bridge mishap in Darjeeling. Condolences to those that have misplaced their family members. Could the injured recuperate quickly. The state of affairs in Darjeeling and the encompassing areas is being carefully monitored within the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We’re dedicated to offering all doable help to these affected.”
Alerts and warnings: extra rain anticipated
The India Meteorological Division (IMD) issued a purple alert for the sub-Himalayan area, together with Darjeeling and Kalimpong, till October 6, warning of contemporary landslides and highway blockages. Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri are additionally underneath purple alert; Darjeeling underneath orange alert. Previous disasters together with the 1968 deluge and the 2015 landslides are grim reminders of this area’s vulnerability.