KOLKATA/DARJEELING: Torrential rainfall over the last 24 hours has caused widespread devastation in West Bengal’s Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts triggering multiple landslides and bridge collapses that have claimed at least 17 lives. Many others are reported to be injured or missing. Officials fear the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
The worst-affected areas include Mirik, Sukhiapokhri and Jasbirgaon in Darjeeling. According to officials, nine people were killed when an iron bridge collapsed in Mirik while four lost their lives in separate landslide incidents in the Sukhiya area. Several houses have either been completely buried under debris or washed away. An important iron bridge over the Balasan river at Dudhia which connects Siliguri and Mirik, also collapsed due to the overnight heavy rain, severing connectivity in the region.
Several major roads, including National Highway 10 which connects to Sikkim have been blocked by the continuous landslides. As a result Darjeeling has been completely cut off from Sikkim. The road blockades are posing significant challenges to relief and rescue operations. The administration is attempting to evacuate stranded tourists using alternative routes.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Darjeeling district police and the local administration are engaged in rescue work on a war footing. However, bad weather and difficult terrain are hampering their efforts. The police have issued a helpline number (+91 91478 89078) to assist stranded tourists and those in need.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu have expressed their deep sorrow over the tragedy. The Prime Minister has assured all possible assistance to those affected. Meanwhile the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for several sub-Himalayan districts of North Bengal including Darjeeling warning of more rainfall which could worsen the situation.
