At least 20 people have lost their lives after massive landslides triggered by relentless rainfall swept through parts of West Bengal’s Darjeeling district on Saturday. Homes were flattened, roads caved in, and entire hamlets were left isolated as hill slopes gave way under intense rain.
Officials warn the death toll may rise further as rescue teams continue to pull survivors and victims from the debris in several affected areas.
🚨 Death Toll Rising, Situation ‘Alarming’: Minister
North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha described the situation as “alarming”, confirming preliminary reports of 20 deaths.
Fatalities have been reported from Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), and the Mirik Lake area, among others.
“The loss of lives is tragic. As per our reports, eleven people have died in Mirik and six in Darjeeling, but the figure is not yet confirmed,”
Guha told PTI.
District officials and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are leading rescue efforts, which are being hampered by continuous rain, slippery terrain, and blocked access routes.
🆘 NDRF, Police, and Local Teams Continue Search
Multiple teams from the NDRF, local police, and disaster management authorities have been deployed in Mirik Lake and Dhar Gaon, two of the worst-hit zones.
So far, four survivors have been rescued, and two people remain missing, officials confirmed.
“Earthmovers are finding it extremely difficult to operate on these slopes. The terrain is unstable, and continuous rainfall is obstructing rescue missions,”
said a senior police officer.
Several families in Bishnulal Gaon, Ward 3 Lake Side, and Jasbir Gaon have been evacuated to temporary relief camps, with assistance from local NGOs and the district administration.
🛣️ Roads Damaged, Hill Routes Severed
Heavy landslides have caused widespread damage to infrastructure, including key hill roads.
- The Mirik–Sukhiapokhri road has been severely hit by mudslides and road cave-ins.
- Communication lines to higher altitude areas remain disrupted.
- Dozens of interior villages are currently inaccessible due to collapsed roads and debris.
🌧️ IMD Red Alert for Darjeeling and Kalimpong
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for sub-Himalayan West Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall till October 6.
Officials warned of the risk of fresh landslides, urging residents to avoid travel in hilly areas.
“Yesterday night, there was sudden rainfall exceeding 300 mm in 12 hours in North Bengal. Excess water from Bhutan and Sikkim caused rivers like Sankosh to overflow,”
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said.
She also announced immediate assistance to affected families and assured relief and rehabilitation support.
🇮🇳 National Leaders React
President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the tragedy, stating:
“The loss of lives due to heavy rain and landslides in Darjeeling is distressing. I extend my heartfelt condolences and pray for the success of rescue operations.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the deaths, saying on X (formerly Twitter):
“Deeply pained by the loss of lives in Darjeeling due to heavy rains and landslides. The situation is being closely monitored. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
📊 Darjeeling Landslides: Key Updates
1️⃣ Death Toll: 20 (may rise as rescue ops continue)
2️⃣ Worst-hit Areas: Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon, Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Lake
3️⃣ Rescue Efforts: NDRF, police, and local authorities deployed
4️⃣ Weather Alert: IMD issues red alert till October 6
5️⃣ Infrastructure Damage: Roads, homes, and bridges destroyed
6️⃣ Evacuations: Several villages shifted to relief camps
7️⃣ Rainfall Recorded: Over 300 mm in 12 hours across North Bengal
8️⃣ CM Mamata Banerjee: Promises immediate aid and assistance
9️⃣ PM Modi: Monitoring situation; extends condolences
10️⃣ President Murmu: Calls tragedy “deeply distressing”
