NEW DELHI: PM Modi condoled the lack of lives and acknowledged the catastrophe as torrential rains brought about large devastation throughout the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills in West Bengal, triggering landslides that killed not less than 9 individuals and left a number of others lacking, officers mentioned on Sunday.The continual downpour has reduce off important roads, broken bridges and disrupted day by day life, prompting pressing security advisories from authorities.
Landslides declare lives in Darjeeling
A significant landslide struck close to the Mirik-Sukhiapokhri highway on Saturday night time, sweeping away homes and paralysing automobile motion. Darjeeling Sub-Divisional Officer Richard Lepcha confirmed preliminary deaths however mentioned the figures might rise. “No less than 9 deaths have been reported attributable to a serious landslide in Darjeeling subdivision triggered by heavy rainfall since final night time. We don’t have the precise figures proper now because the rescue and aid work has simply began,” Lepcha mentioned. Rescue and aid operations are being carried out by the native administration, police, catastrophe response groups and volunteers. Heavy rainfall and slippery terrain have slowed down the method. A senior police officer defined that the continual downpour had made it “extraordinarily tough” for earthmovers and emergency automobiles to achieve the websites.
PM Modi condoles Darjeeling tragedy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi additionally acknowledged the catastrophe and supplied condolences for the lives misplaced.In a publish on X, PM Modi mentioned: “Deeply pained by the lack of lives attributable to a bridge mishap in Darjeeling. Condolences to those that have misplaced their family members. Might the injured get well quickly. The state of affairs in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being carefully monitored within the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We’re dedicated to offering all attainable help to these affected.”
Villages worst affected
Villages equivalent to Bishnulal Gaon, Ward 3 Lake Facet and Jasbir Gaon had been among the many hardest hit, the place six deaths have been reported to this point. One other casualty was reported from a tea property. A number of homes and tea backyard quarters had been broken or buried beneath particles. Unconfirmed native stories instructed the toll might be as excessive as 11 as rescue groups proceed digging by means of mud and rubble. District authorities have arrange momentary aid camps and mobilised medical groups in coordination with NGOs to offer meals and shelter to affected households.
Key routes reduce off
The landslides have brought about intensive harm to roads and bridges, additional isolating distant communities. The principle Darjeeling-Siliguri route was blocked at Dilaram and Whistle Khola in Kurseong, whereas the Rohini highway has been severely broken. The iron bridge at Dudhey collapsed, chopping off entry to Siliguri and Mirik, whereas the Pulbazar bridge was badly broken, chopping off Thanaline and different elements of Bijanbari. Nationwide Freeway 10 was closed at Chitrey after heavy slides. Darjeeling superintendent of police Praween Prakash mentioned restoration work was underway. “The roads at Whistle Khola and Dilaram are being cleared. As soon as open, we are going to permit automobiles to make use of the Hill Cart Street from Kurseong. Till then, site visitors stays suspended,” he mentioned. He added that restoring the Rohini route would take longer because it comes beneath the Nationwide Highways & Infrastructure Improvement Company Restricted (NHIDCL).
Vacationer spots closed as precaution
The Gorkhaland territorial administration has introduced the closure of all vacationer spots till additional discover to make sure customer security. Officers have additionally appealed to residents and vacationers to stay indoors and journey provided that completely vital.The Darjeeling superintendent of police suggested guests to keep away from travelling. “The Mirik highway can be closed; travellers can use the route by way of Darjeeling to achieve Siliguri, although there’s at the moment no direct different. Restoration could take not less than two to a few hours attributable to a number of slides. We request vacationers to stay on the town and never journey till additional updates are shared by means of our social media handles,” he mentioned.
IMD points pink alert
The Meteorological Division (IMD) has issued a pink alert for terribly heavy rainfall over sub-Himalayan West Bengal, together with Darjeeling and Kalimpong, till October 6. The division has additionally warned of attainable landslides and highway blockages attributable to saturated soil and steep terrain. Since Friday night time, the area has seen a number of landslides and circumstances of soil erosion, damaging roads and isolating tea backyard settlements. Officers say the saturated floor situations imply the danger of additional slides stays excessive.
Political response
Raju Bista, BJP MP for Darjeeling, expressed concern over the destruction. “I’m extraordinarily anguished to be taught concerning the large damages brought about attributable to extraordinarily heavy rainfall in lots of elements of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. There have been deaths, and lack of properties, and damages to the infrastructure,” he mentioned. Bista added that BJP staff had been instructed to help these affected. “We are going to do the whole lot in our energy to assist and help our individuals. I additionally attraction to all our Alliance Companions, and different political and social organisations within the area to coordinate efforts, in order that we are able to attain well timed assist and help to these in want,” he mentioned.Former member of the Lok Sabha and BJP chief Suvendu Adhikari additionally acknowledged the catastrophe.In a publish on X, he mentioned: “As a result of incessant heavy rainfall in North Bengal, the hilly areas of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong have been severely affected, with communication and transport hyperlinks to the plains of Siliguri, Terai, and Dooars virtually fully disrupted attributable to landslides and flooding.”“Hundreds of residents are stranded, going through hardships with out entry to important provides and providers. Reviews of casualties are additionally coming in, particulars are but to be ascertained, ” he added.