Darjeeling, Oct 5: At least 18 people, including several children, were killed and many others injured after incessant rain triggered massive landslides across Darjeeling and Mirik in north Bengal on Sunday, sweeping away homes, damaging key roads, and isolating remote villages, officials said.
According to reports compiled by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and district authorities, fatalities were reported from several locations — Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagrakata, and near Mirik Lake. “Seven deaths have been reported due to a major landslide in the Darjeeling subdivision. Rescue and relief work is on,” Darjeeling Sub-Divisional Officer Richard Lepcha told PTI.
The NDRF confirmed that 11 people died in Mirik — the worst-hit area — and seven injured residents were rescued from the debris. In Darjeeling, seven deaths were recorded as heavy rain continued to pound the region, hampering ongoing rescue operations. A senior police officer said continuous downpour had made the terrain slippery. “The extent of damage is still being assessed. Earthmovers are finding it extremely difficult to operate on these slopes,” the officer said.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee termed the situation “grave” and announced government compensation for the victims, along with employment for one family member of each deceased. “Due to incessant rain in Bhutan, the water has overflowed into North Bengal. This disaster is unfortunate—natural calamities are beyond our control. I have been monitoring the situation since 6 am,” she said in a televised statement.
Banerjee said over 300 mm of rain fell within just 12 hours, leading to widespread landslides at seven sites. “There has been continuous, heavy rain for 12 hours. Landslides have occurred at seven locations. I am keeping a close watch and hope to reach by around 3 pm on Monday,” she said, adding that she would travel to North Bengal on Monday afternoon with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to oversee relief work from Siliguri.
Thousands of tourists were stranded in the hills as multiple roads, including the vital Mirik–Sukhiapokhri route, were blocked by debris and fallen trees. Communication lines to several hilltop settlements were snapped. “Many tourists are stranded. I request them not to hurry. Please stay where you are. Hotels must not overcharge them. Their safety is our responsibility, and the administration will ensure that,” Banerjee said.
North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha described the situation as “alarming,” while Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari claimed the death toll had reached 21. Meanwhile, at least 40 people were rescued from the rubble in Dhar Gaon, Nagrakata, where heavy mudslides flattened several homes.
The Chief Minister said she would visit the region after the Durga Puja Carnival in Kolkata on Sunday evening, which featured over 100 puja committees. Temporary relief camps have been set up in coordination with local NGOs and the district administration, and families in high-risk areas have been moved to safer locations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the tragedy and said the central government was monitoring the situation closely. “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,” he posted on X.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in sub-Himalayan West Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, till October 6, warning of more landslides due to saturated soil. Road connectivity remains severely disrupted across parts of Darjeeling district and North Sikkim, with officials confirming that an iron bridge connecting Siliguri to the Mirik–Darjeeling route has been damaged, cutting off access to several areas.
