DARJEELING, Oct. 5 — Several people are feared dead after heavy overnight rain triggered a massive landslide in the Mirik area of Darjeeling district, a senior police officer said on Sunday. Rescue and relief operations are underway, with personnel from the local administration, police, and disaster management teams on the ground.
“Several casualties are feared due to a major landslide in Darjeeling district triggered by heavy rain since last night. We don’t have the exact figures right now as the rescue and relief work has just started,” the officer told PTI.
Unconfirmed reports suggested that at least 11 people may have died in the incident, though officials have not yet confirmed the number of casualties.
Authorities said continuous rainfall has severely hampered rescue operations. “The terrain is slippery, and it’s difficult for earthmovers and emergency vehicles to reach the affected site,” the officer noted, adding that several houses have reportedly been damaged. “The extent of the damage is yet to be ascertained.”
According to initial information, the landslide occurred near one of the steep hill slopes along the Mirik–Sukhiapokhri road, disrupting vehicular movement and communication links to several nearby areas.
Teams from the state disaster management department, the Darjeeling district administration, and local volunteers have been deployed to assist in clearing debris and locating survivors. Officials said more information would be shared once rescue teams complete their initial assessment.
Further details are awaited.
