Darjeeling, India – Torrential rains and subsequent landslides have devastated the Darjeeling hills in West Bengal, resulting in at least 28 fatalities and leaving dozens missing. The tourist town of Mirik has been particularly hard hit, with significant damage to infrastructure and homes.
The relentless downpour, which began on Saturday evening, October 4, 2025, triggered numerous landslides across the Darjeeling and Mirik sub-divisions. As of Sunday, October 5, 2025, officials confirmed that 16 deaths occurred in Mirik and 12 in Darjeeling. The deceased include women and children. Rescue operations are ongoing, but are being hampered by damaged roads and continued rainfall. North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha described the situation as "alarming" and said the death toll is likely to rise.
Mirik has been effectively cut off from Siliguri after a portion of the Dudiya iron bridge over the Balasan River collapsed. This bridge was the primary link connecting these communities, severely impacting the transport of essential supplies and rescue efforts. Authorities are exploring alternative routes and assessing the possibility of constructing a temporary bridge.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for the region, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar. The IMD also warned of further landslides and road blockages due to already saturated soil conditions. Several roads in the state's districts are closed due to landslides, including those connecting Sikkim with West Bengal. National Highway 10 and Rohini Road, which connect Darjeeling with Siliguri, are also closed.
Adding to the crisis, Bhutan's National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) issued an alert to the West Bengal government after the Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) reported that the gates of the Tala Hydropower Dam had failed to open, causing the river water to overflow. The Tala Dam is located on the Wangchu River in Bhutan's Chukha district. This raised concerns about potential flooding in the Dooars region of West Bengal.
In response to the unfolding disaster, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed multiple teams to the affected areas. Three teams have been mobilized from Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Alipurduar, with additional teams en route from Malda and Kolkata. NDRF personnel are engaged in intensive rescue and relief operations to locate missing persons and assist stranded villagers.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced she will visit the affected areas on Monday, October 6, to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts. She has expressed deep concern over the flooding in North and South Bengal and conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased. The Chief Minister also highlighted that there was rainfall exceeding 300 mm in 12 hours in North Bengal.
The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has announced the closure of all tourist spots until further notice to ensure the safety of visitors. Thousands of tourists who arrived for the Puja vacation are reported to be stranded in the region. Darjeeling Police have urged tourists to remain in their hotels and avoid unnecessary travel.
The disaster has prompted responses from various political leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and assured that the situation is being closely monitored. Opposition leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari and Samik Bhattacharya, have pledged support to the affected people.
