Death toll rises to 20 as landslides devastate Darjeeling; CM Mamata Banerjee to visit North Bengal

Patna: Severe rainfall in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district has caused massive landslides, claiming at least 20 lives, including those of seven children, officials confirmed on Saturday. The landslides flattened houses, damaged vital road links, and left several interior villages cut off.

Rescue and relief teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and district authorities, are working round the clock to locate the missing and assist survivors.

Among the worst-hit areas are Mirik Lake, Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, and Dhar Gaon (Mechi). North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha described the situation as “alarming”, while confirming that the death toll could rise as search efforts continue.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep concern over the extensive damage across both North and South Bengal, attributing the disaster to sudden overnight rainfall exceeding 300 mm in just 12 hours and an excessive inflow of water from rivers originating in Bhutan and Sikkim. She extended condolences to the bereaved families and pledged immediate assistance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the tragedy, assuring support to the state government. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the incident “heartbreaking” and urged the Centre to provide immediate assistance to West Bengal and Sikkim.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for sub-Himalayan West Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, warning of extremely heavy rainfall until 6 October. Many key routes, including the Mirik-Sukhiapokhri road, remain blocked due to mudslides and collapsed sections. Rescue teams face difficulty operating heavy machinery on the slippery slopes.
(With agency inputs)