Darjeeling, West Bengal: Several people are feared dead following landslides triggered by heavy and incessant rainfall in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. The incident occurred on Sunday, disrupting transportation and communication links across the region.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for the sub-Himalayan region, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar. A red alert for extremely heavy rain is active for Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar until noon. An orange alert for heavy rainfall is in effect for Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri. The IMD had predicted heavy rains in the region from September 30, with the wet spell likely to continue until October 7.
A senior police officer confirmed that rescue and relief operations are underway, with local administration, police, and disaster response teams on site. "Several casualties are feared due to a major landslide in Darjeeling district triggered by heavy rainfall since last night. We don't have the exact figures right now as the rescue and relief work has just started," the officer told PTI. Unconfirmed reports claim that 11 people have died in the landslide. Local reports indicate that at least six people have been confirmed dead in Mirik due to the landslides.
Continuous rainfall has hampered rescue efforts, making it difficult for earthmovers and emergency vehicles to reach the affected areas. The terrain is also slippery, with reports of several houses being damaged. The extent of the damage is still being ascertained.
The landslide occurred near one of the hill slopes on the Mirik-Sukhiapokhri road, disrupting vehicular movement and communication. The Dudhia iron bridge over the Balason River, connecting Siliguri and Mirik, has collapsed, bringing traffic to a standstill. Movement of vehicles has been restricted on the Siliguri-Darjeeling SH-12 road after a portion of the Dudhia iron bridge collapsed due to heavy rain in North Bengal.
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista expressed his anguish over the loss of lives and property. "I am extremely anguished to learn about the massive damages caused due to extremely heavy rainfall in many parts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. There have been deaths, and loss of properties, and damages to the infrastructure. I am taking stock of the situation, and in touch with the relevant authorities," Bista wrote on X.
Traffic on NH10, the main arterial road connecting Siliguri to Gangtok, has been closed following several landslides. Landslides have blocked the main road between Darjeeling and Siliguri at Dilaram, and at Whitsel Khola in Kurseong. Rohini road is also severely damaged. National Highway 717A, an alternative highway to Sikkim, has also been affected by landslides near the Reshi border, disrupting traffic movement to Sikkim.
The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is working with the district administration and police to clear debris and restore connectivity. Disaster management teams and Civil Defence Volunteers are on high alert across vulnerable areas.
