Massive landslides in North Bengal have killed 20 people, injured many, and stranded tourists. Rescue operations are underway as authorities work to restore roads and provide relief amid continued heavy rains in Darjeeling, Mirik, and surrounding areas.
A devastating landslide triggered by torrential rains swept through the northern hills of West Bengal on Sunday, leaving at least 20 people dead and several others injured. The calamity, which struck areas including Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagrakata, and the Mirik Lake region, has caused widespread destruction, leaving homes buried under mud and debris, roads damaged, and hundreds of tourists stranded in the popular hill districts.
According to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local district administrations, Mirik emerged as the worst-hit area, accounting for at least 11 deaths, while seven injured individuals have been rescued from debris. Darjeeling also reported seven fatalities, and rescue operations continue with assistance from police, local authorities, and disaster management teams.
North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha described the loss of life as “tragic” and indicated that the death toll could rise further. The Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, claimed that 21 lives may have been lost.
The unprecedented rainfall, exceeding 300 mm within 12 hours, combined with rising river waters from Bhutan and Sikkim, triggered flash floods and landslides across the region. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep concern over the situation and announced compensation for the victims, while confirming her visit to North Bengal on Monday to personally assess the damages.
In a statement, CM Banerjee said, “Several areas in both North Bengal and South Bengal have been flooded due to sudden heavy rainfall and excessive river flows. Two iron bridges have collapsed, numerous roads have been damaged or flooded, and vast tracts of land in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar have been inundated. Reports indicate severe losses in Mirik, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Matigara, and Alipurduar.”
Temporary relief camps have been established for displaced families, particularly in Mirik, where several households have been relocated to safer locations. The administration has urged tourists to remain in their hotels until safe evacuation is possible, noting that road and rail connectivity in the region has been severely disrupted. An iron bridge connecting Siliguri with the Mirik-Darjeeling route has collapsed, while NH 10 has been washed away due to the rising Teesta river, cutting off access to Sikkim. Road links to Kalimpong are also disrupted.
The Meteorological Office has forecast continued heavy rainfall in North Bengal over the next two days, which could complicate rescue and relief operations. Several trains in the region have been canceled or delayed due to waterlogged tracks. In a tragic incident, a rhino was swept away in Gorumara National Park in Jalpaiguri district following rising river levels.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the disaster, assuring that the Centre is committed to providing all necessary assistance. In a post on X, he said, “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. We are committed to providing all possible assistance.”
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President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her condolences, stating, “The tragic loss of lives due to heavy rain and landslides in Darjeeling, West Bengal, is distressing. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the success of rescue and relief operations and a speedy recovery for the injured.”
Authorities, including the NDRF, local administration, and police, continue to conduct intensive rescue operations, striving to evacuate stranded tourists and residents. The situation remains critical, with the continuous threat of further landslides and flooding. Relief efforts are ongoing, focusing on both human safety and restoration of essential connectivity in the affected regions.
