Incessant heavy rainfall in the Darjeeling hills of West Bengal has triggered multiple landslides, resulting in a tragic loss of life and widespread damage. At least nine people have died, and two others are missing as homes were swept away, roads were damaged, and several remote hamlets were cut off.
The fatalities were reported from various locations including Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), and the Mirik Lake area. Rescue operations are currently underway, with local administration, police, and disaster response teams on the ground. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also joined the efforts in the Mirik Lake area, one of the worst-hit zones. Continuous rainfall has made it difficult for earthmovers and emergency vehicles to reach the affected sites due to slippery terrain and reports of damaged houses.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his grief over the loss of lives and assured that the situation is being closely monitored. In a post on X, he extended his condolences to the bereaved families and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. "Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to a bridge mishap in Darjeeling. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon," PM Modi stated. He further added, "The situation in Darjeeling and the surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected".
The disaster has also caused significant infrastructural damage, including the collapse of an iron bridge connecting Mirik and Kurseong, impacting communication links to several adjoining areas. The collapse of the bridge near Teesta Bazaar in Kalimpong and a surge in the water level of the Teesta river has also cut off communication lines to neighboring Sikkim. Key routes linking Bengal to Sikkim, and Darjeeling to Siliguri, remain blocked, with areas including Mirik and Sukhia Pokhari worst affected.
The Darjeeling Police have issued a helpline number (+91 91478 89078) to assist tourists who are stranded or in need of assistance. The local administration is working to provide relief and support to those affected by the landslides.
NDRF has deployed three teams from Darjeeling, Siliguri and Alipurduar to the disaster-hit Mirik area. Two more teams, one each from Malda and Kolkata, are being moved.
Similar incidents have been reported in neighboring Nepal, where at least 14 people have died in landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in the Koshi province.
