Over 20 dead as heavy rain triggers landslides across Darjeeling Hills

REZA PRADHAN

Darjeeling,: Incessant overnight rainfall wreaked havoc across the Darjeeling Hills, triggering multiple landslides that have claimed at least 23 lives and caused widespread destruction. While official figures are yet to be formally released, local authorities have confirmed the death toll based on initial assessments.

The Miriksubdivision was the worst affected, with over 11 reported fatalities and several others injured after their homes were buried by landslides. Within the Mirik Municipality area alone, five deaths have been reported, while another four people were killed in SalugadhaFapri, Saureni, and MechiDhadh villages.

Five citizens of Nepal also lost their lives in Maneybhanjyang, along the Indo-Nepal border, after landslides struck the area. Other casualties have been reported from various parts of the district, including Soom (1 death), Seyok Tea Garden in Sukhiapokhri (2), Maraybong (1), Pussimbing (1), Ringtong (1), and Jorebunglow (1).

In Hope Town, located below Sonada, one person died and multiple homes were damaged. In Malat, a homestay was swept away by the overflowing Balasun River, though all nine tourists staying there were safely evacuated. However, HimadriPurkait (25) from South 24 Parganas, who was working at the homestay, is reportedly missing.

Widespread Infrastructure Damage

The relentless downpour has also caused significant damage to infrastructure. Two iron bridges have collapsed and several roads have been washed away or remain blocked across the districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar.

Speaking on the situation in Mirik, GTA SabhasadArunSigchi said:“Severe damage was caused by landslides last night. So far, we have confirmed eleven deaths in Mirik-five from the municipality area and the rest from nearby blocks. Over 20 roads have been damaged and two bridges have collapsed. The Dudhiabridge has been completely destroyed, cutting off Mirik’s connection to Siliguri. Traffic is now being diverted through Ghum, though that route was also briefly closed. Most of the casualties were guests visiting for Dashain festivities, including some from Nepal.”

Roads leading to Darjeeling town were also impacted, with landslides reported at Whistle Khola, Dilaram, and Rohini. While debris at Whistle Khola and Dilaram was cleared to allow traffic, alternate routes like the Hill Cart Road and Pankhabari Road remained accessible from Kurseong onward.

National Highway 10 (NH10), the lifeline connecting Sikkim and Kalimpong to Siliguri, was also blocked by landslides at multiple locations. The rising Teesta River caused additional flooding, disrupting routes between Kalimpong, Sikkim, and Darjeeling. Some vehicles were diverted via Lava to reach Siliguri.

The NH 10 was reopened for vehicular movement by late Sunday afternoon.

Reports of damage have also come in from Pulbazar Bridge, Culainbari Bridge in Bijanbari, GhumbaGaun in Turuk, Naya Kaman in Tindharia, Phulbari in Sonada, Lodhama Link Road, roads near the Japanese Temple, Joghighat, and Dhotrey, and the road below Bishop House in Darjeeling.

Tourism Affected; Travel Advisory Issued

The GTA Tourism Department has issued an advisory urging people not to visit tourist spots in and around Darjeeling, as many roads remain blocked. All tourist points have been temporarily closed, and stranded tourists have been advised to remain inside their hotels.

Weather Warning Issued

The Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore, Kolkata, has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days in North Bengal, which could further disrupt rescue and relief operations.

As predicted, the rain began late Saturday night and continued through Sunday morning, triggering landslides and flooding across the region. Authorities are continuing relief efforts, while local residents and tourists are being advised to remain cautious.