Darjeeling, October 5: At least 20 people have lost their lives following devastating landslides and a bridge collapse triggered by relentless rainfall and flooding in the Darjeeling subdivision of West Bengal, officials confirmed on Sunday.
Continuous downpours since Friday night have unleashed havoc across North Bengal, with a major landslide near a hillside on the Mirik–Sukhiapokhri road halting vehicular movement and cutting off communication links to several nearby areas.
According to the Darjeeling district administration, eleven people died in Mirik alone, where a major bridge collapsed under the pressure of floodwaters and shifting terrain. Four others perished in landslides in Sukhia, while five more fatalities have been reported from other parts of the district.
The India Meteorological Department had earlier warned of heavy rainfall across the hills and plains of North Bengal over the weekend.
Abhishek Roy, Additional Superintendent of Police in Kurseong, said:
“Five bodies have been recovered from the landslide in Mirik. Two more were found this morning. Four additional deaths have been reported in Sukhia. The rain has eased this afternoon, allowing rescue operations to ramp up. However, multiple key roads are blocked due to landslides, including the Siliguri–Darjeeling–Rohini route and the road to Dilaram.”
He added that the landslide in Mirik was particularly severe and that several people remain missing, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.
Prime Minister Offers Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“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. The situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
Infrastructure Crippled Across the Region
National Highway No. 10 was rendered completely impassable on Saturday night after landslides and fallen trees blocked the route near Sevak. The collapse of the iron bridge at Dudiya severed the critical Siliguri–Mirik connection. A separate landslide near Dilaram disrupted travel on the Siliguri–Darjeeling road, while Rohini Road suffered severe damage. The Pulbazar bridge also sustained damage, isolating Bijanbari and surrounding areas.
Emergency Response Underway
Anit Thapa, Chief Executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), said the local disaster response teams were working on the ground.
“GTA’s disaster department is actively involved. We’ve instructed people to contact panchayat members, officials, and public representatives if they are in danger. We’ve also issued safety orders, especially for women and children.”
Rescue efforts have been hampered by ongoing rainfall and rising water levels, particularly in the Teesta River. Volunteers and state disaster management teams have been deployed, but conditions remain challenging.
Tourist Spots Closed for Safety
With safety concerns mounting, the GTA has shut down all major tourist attractions, including Tiger Hill and Rock Garden, until further notice. Tourists have been advised against non-essential travel to the affected areas.
Heavy rain continues to cause soil erosion and minor landslides across the hills, damaging homes and severely affecting road connectivity. Authorities say the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Authorities urge residents to remain alert and cooperate with local officials as rescue and relief efforts continue across the affected zones.
