A devastating deluge in West Bengal has resulted in at least 28 fatalities, with dozens still missing, as landslides and flash floods wreak havoc across the Darjeeling hills. The town of Mirik has been particularly hard-hit, effectively cut off from surrounding areas due to the collapse of crucial infrastructure.
Torrential rain, exceeding 300 mm in 12 hours, lashed the region, triggering landslides in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong districts. The extreme weather conditions also caused a surge of water into the Sankosh River from Bhutan and Sikkim, exacerbating the flooding.
The collapse of the Dudiya iron bridge over the Balasan River has severed road connectivity between Siliguri and Mirik. Additionally, an iron bridge on the Teesta River collapsed, disrupting road links to Sikkim and Kalimpong. National Highway 110 near Kurseong is also affected due to a landslide at Hussain Khola, disrupting the link between Siliguri and Darjeeling. Several other roads connecting the Darjeeling hills to Siliguri have been severely damaged.
Reports compiled by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the district administration indicate fatalities in several locations, including Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagrakata, and the Mirik Lake area.
In response to the crisis, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a high-level meeting and launched a 24/7 control room to monitor the situation. She is scheduled to visit the affected areas on Monday, October 6, 2025. Banerjee has expressed deep concern over the "grave" situation, noting the extensive damage to roads, bridges, and land in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar districts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed his condolences and assured all possible assistance to those affected. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and President Droupadi Murmu also expressed their condolences.
The NDRF has deployed multiple teams to assist in rescue operations, particularly in the Mirik area. Vehicle movement has been restricted on the Siliguri-Darjeeling SH-12 road. Authorities are working to evacuate stranded tourists from Mirik. The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has ordered the closure of major tourist sites, including Tiger Hill and Rock Garden, until further notice.
The weather department had issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in the sub-Himalayan districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar. Authorities in North Bengal are also on high alert due to the overflowing Tala Hydropower Dam in Bhutan.
