Northern Bengal Grapples with Devastation as Rain-Fueled Disaster Claims Lives
MIRIK, West Bengal – Torrential rains and subsequent landslides have triggered a calamitous situation in northern West Bengal, with the death toll tragically climbing to 28 as of Sunday, October 5, 2025. The relentless downpour, which began on Saturday night and continued through Sunday morning, has wreaked havoc across the Darjeeling district and surrounding areas, sweeping away homes, severing crucial road links, and leaving hundreds of tourists stranded.
The worst-hit areas include Mirik and Darjeeling, where landslides have claimed the lives of many, including children and women. According to officials from the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), 11 deaths were reported in Mirik, while 12 occurred in Darjeeling. Fatalities have been reported in Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagrakata and Mirik Lake area. In Darjeeling subdivision, two deaths were reported in Sukey Pokhri Police station, four in Jorebunglow police station, one in Darjeeling Sadar police station, and five in the Maneybhanjyang area close to the India-Nepal border. Rescue operations are currently underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, local administration, and disaster response units working tirelessly to reach those affected.
The extreme weather has severely impacted infrastructure, with roads rendered impassable due to landslides and a portion of the Dudiya iron bridge over the Balasan River collapsing, effectively cutting off communication between Siliguri and Mirik. Several roads connecting Darjeeling hills to Siliguri in the plains were also badly affected. The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has ordered the closure of all tourist spots to ensure the safety of visitors.
Adding to the region's woes, authorities are on high alert due to the overflow of the Tala Hydropower Dam in neighboring Bhutan, which could potentially lead to further flooding in Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts. The Bhutan government has alerted West Bengal authorities regarding the situation, reporting a dramatic surge in the Wangchhu river's flow.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has described the situation in North Bengal as "grave" and has announced she will visit the affected region on Monday, October 6, to personally assess the damage and oversee relief efforts. She has also expressed deep concern over the severe flooding in both North and South Bengal, stating that the state received excessive rainfall exceeding 300 mm in 12 hours. The Chief Minister has conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased and promised immediate assistance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed his condolences for the lives lost in the tragedy. "Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to landslides and heavy rain in parts of West Bengal. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon," the Prime Minister said in a statement. "The situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being closely monitored. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected".
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for several districts in the region, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall. The agency predicts continued heavy rainfall in the coming days.
