Darjeeling landslide: 17 dead; tourists stranded, roads washed out after night-long downpour

Darjeeling: At least 17 people have died in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district after incessant overnight rain triggered massive landslides, snapping key road links and isolating several hill areas.

Officials said the disaster has cut off connectivity to Sikkim, leaving many tourists and residents stranded.

Heavy rain lashed Mirik, Sukhia Pokhari, and adjoining areas through Saturday night, triggering multiple landslides that blocked arterial routes connecting Darjeeling to Siliguri and Bengal to Sikkim.

Rescue and relief operations have been launched by the police, disaster management teams, and local administration.

Authorities have suspended the iconic Darjeeling toy train service and closed all tourist spots, including Tiger Hill and Rock Garden, as a precaution.

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has urged tourists to stay indoors and monitor weather updates. Thousands of tourists from Kolkata and other parts of Bengal had travelled to the hills after Durga Puja, raising fears that many may be trapped in affected zones.

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista said he was monitoring the situation and coordinating with central and state authorities, adding that the region has suffered “severe loss of lives, property, and infrastructure.”

The IMD had earlier issued a red warning for North Bengal and Sikkim, forecasting heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds till October 7. Officials have warned of possible flash floods and further landslides if rainfall continues.

Heavy rain has also battered Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, and Cooch Behar, causing widespread waterlogging. In neighbouring Nepal, similar weather conditions hav