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Darjeeling/Mirik(Agencies): At least 18 people, including several children, were killed and dozens injured as incessant heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides across the Mirik and Darjeeling hills in North Bengal on Sunday, sweeping away homes, damaging roads, and cutting off remote hamlets. Officials warned that the toll could rise as rescue operations continue in treacherous terrain.
According to reports from the NDRF and district administration, fatalities were confirmed from several locations including Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagrakata, and the Mirik Lake area. Mirik was the worst hit, with 11 deaths reported and at least seven injured rescued from the debris. In Darjeeling subdivision, seven more people were killed after a massive mudslide flattened houses.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, expressing grief, announced compensation and government jobs for one member of each affected family. “This disaster is unfortunate — natural calamities are beyond our control. I have been monitoring the situation since 6 am and will reach North Bengal on Monday afternoon to oversee relief from Siliguri,” she said, adding that more than 300 mm of rain fell in just 12 hours, triggering at least seven major landslides.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences and said the situation in Darjeeling and adjoining areas was being closely monitored. “We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected,” he posted on X.
Rescue work has been badly hampered due to incessant rainfall and slippery slopes. Earthmovers struggled to reach affected hamlets, while police and disaster teams evacuated families to safer places. Temporary relief camps have been set up in coordination with NGOs, though many tourists remain stranded in the hills. CM Banerjee appealed to visitors not to panic or rush. “Hotels must not overcharge them. Their safety is our responsibility, and arrangements will be made to bring them back safely,” she said.
The magnitude of destruction was evident in Dhar Gaon, Nagrakata, where mudslides buried several houses and at least 40 people were rescued. North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha termed the situation “alarming”, while Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari claimed the actual death toll had reached 21.
The landslides disrupted key routes, including the Mirik–Sukhiapokhri road, and damaged an iron bridge connecting Siliguri with the Mirik–Darjeeling highway, leaving large swathes inaccessible. Communication lines to several hilltop settlements were also snapped.
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 and blockages due to saturated soil.
For families in the hills, the calamity has been devastating. Several who lost homes in Mirik have been shifted to makeshift shelters. A senior police officer said the full scale of damage would only be clear once rains ease: “The terrain is slippery and unstable. We are trying our best, but rescue is extremely difficult.” As Bengal reels under nature’s fury, the state government faces the twin challenge of saving lives and restoring access to the region, while thousands of stranded residents and tourists wait anxiously for the skies to clear.
