Darjeeling Landslides Kill 17, Cut Off Sikkim Road Links
Heavy rain triggered landslides across North Bengal; PM Modi, CM Mamata respond as tourists remain stranded.
GG News Bureau
Darjeeling, 5th Oct: Seventeen people have lost their lives in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district after heavy overnight rain triggered massive landslides, cutting off vital road connectivity to the Himalayan state of Sikkim. The calamity has also stranded hundreds of tourists, many of whom had travelled to the hill station following the Durga Puja festivities.
Landslides were reported from several areas, including Mirik and Sukhia Pokhari, where police and the local administration have launched rescue and relief operations. Visuals from the region showed bridges damaged, roads washed away and rivers overflowing, leaving parts of North Bengal isolated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy, saying he was “deeply pained” by the loss of lives. He assured that the Centre was committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced she would visit Darjeeling on Sunday to take stock of the situation.
The disaster has forced the closure of key tourist attractions such as Tiger Hill and Rock Garden. The famed Darjeeling toy train services have also been suspended. Authorities have set up a hotline number, 9147889078, for residents and stranded tourists to seek help and information.
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista voiced concern over the widespread destruction, noting that lives, property, and infrastructure had been severely impacted. Meanwhile, heavy rain has also lashed Jalpaiguri, Siliguri and Cooch Behar, causing waterlogging in several areas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for North Bengal and Sikkim, warning of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and gusty winds until October 7. Officials have also cautioned that flash floods are likely in some areas. In neighbouring Nepal, the same weather system has already claimed 22 lives in the past 36 hours.
The landslides come at a time when tourist inflow to Darjeeling is at its peak, raising concerns of further disruption if the weather conditions persist. Authorities have urged residents and visitors to exercise caution and remain updated on road and weather advisories.
