Darjeeling Landslide Disaster Kills Over 20 as Heavy Rains Sweep Hills
“The Darjeeling landslide disaster claimed the lives of at least 20 people, including children, as heavy rains triggered massive landslides across Mirik and Darjeeling Hills in West Bengal. Hundreds of tourists were stranded, and rescue operations are underway.”
At least 20 people, including children, died and several were injured from landslides following devastating rainfall overnight on the Mirik and Darjeeling Hills of West Bengal, on Sunday. Uninterrupted rain caused houses to be washed away, roads to be blocked, and left hundreds of tourists stranded in multiple locations, and some areas completely cut off. North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha said the situation was “grave” and that the death toll could rise further.
Multiple Areas Severely Hit Across North Bengal
As reported by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the district administration, the fatalities occurred in several locations, including Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagrakata, and at Mirik Lake. NDRF reported a minimum of 11 fatalities occurred in Mirik, the area most severely impacted, and FG teams managed to assist seven injured survivors. Seven additional fatalities were confirmed in Darjeeling as rescue personnel continued to assist with police, ground personnel, and volunteers.
Mamata Banerjee Responds to Darjeeling Landslide Disaster, Promises Relief
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee referred to the flood situation in North Bengal as “serious” and said she would be visiting the area on Monday to “see the damage first hand.” “It has been raining nonstop in Bhutan, and the water has crossed over to North Bengal.” This is unfortunate – we cannot control natural disasters,” Banerjee said. She reported that rainfall of more than 300 mm in 12 hours has caused landslides and flooding in no less than five larger regions. The Chief Minister spoke to officials in five districts via video conferences and assured them that they were working effectively to organize relief.
Relief Efforts Intensify Following Darjeeling Landslide Disaster
Banerjee also tried to reassure stuck travelers not to panic, assuring them their safety would be handled. “They shouldn’t be charging too much in hotels. We will make sure they are safe,” she said, noting that families of victims would receive government compensation and one job per family. The Chief Minister will go to Siliguri after the Durga Puja Carnival in Kolkata to see the relief programs for herself.
National Leaders Express Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the loss of life, announcing that the central government was closely monitoring the situation. On X, Modi said, “Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to heavy rains and landslides in Darjeeling. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to the affected.” President Droupadi Murmu expressed his sorrow for the loss of life and prayed for successful ongoing rescue operations.
Opposition and Local Leaders Call for Urgent Restoration
Opposition leaders, including BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari and party state president Samik Bhattacharya, also expressed sorrow for the loss of life and called for the restoration of road access and basic supplies immediately. The unrelenting rain impacted all communication between hills and plains and destroyed numerous bridges, including the bridge over the Balason River at Dudhia.
IMD Issues Red Alert for North Bengal
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for sub-Himalayan West Bengal, including Kalimpong and Darjeeling, anticipating continued heavy rain and landslides until October 6. The NDRF reported that most areas have had severely affected road access, with one Mirik village totally cut off from floodwaters. Rescue operations continue day and night to try to restore some access and assist isolated residents.
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