Torrential overnight rain has triggered multiple fatal landslides and caused extensive infrastructure damage across West Bengal’s Darjeeling district on Sunday, with initial reports confirming at least seven people dead. The relentless downpour also resulted in the collapse of a vital iron bridge, severing a key road link in the region.
Death Toll Rises as Rescue Efforts Begin
District officials and police have confirmed that at least seven fatalities have occurred due to major landslides in the Darjeeling subdivision. The casualties include four people who were killed after a landslide struck a house at Dara Gaon near Soureni in Mirik in the early hours of Sunday morning. Reports indicate the family was sleeping when their house was hit by debris.
Authorities are currently conducting rescue and relief operations, though access to the worst-affected areas is being hampered by the continuous rain and blocked roads. Unconfirmed local reports suggest the final death toll could be higher as rescue teams continue to dig through the thick mud and debris.
Vital Siliguri-Mirik Link Snapped by Bridge Collapse
The excessive rainfall led to the collapse of the Dhudia iron bridge over the Balason River at Dudhia. This critical bridge, which connects the major towns of Siliguri and Mirik, was severely damaged and subsequently gave way, bringing vehicular movement between the two hubs to a complete halt.
The snapping of this key arterial road has further complicated the situation, isolating several communities and making it difficult for relief teams to reach remote landslide sites.
Political Leaders Express Anguish
Expressing his distress over the calamity, Darjeeling MP and BJP leader Raju Bista confirmed the extensive damage in the region.
“I am extremely anguished to learn about the massive damages caused due to extremely heavy rainfall in many parts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. There have been deaths, and loss of properties, and damages to the infrastructure,” Bista posted on X (formerly Twitter), adding that he is in contact with relevant authorities to manage the crisis.
IMD Issues Red and Orange Alerts
The weather situation remains critical across North Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had previously issued a Red Alert for several sub-Himalayan districts, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar, warning of extremely heavy rainfall.
On Sunday morning, a Red Alert for extremely heavy rain remains active for Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar until 12 noon, while an Orange Alert for heavy rainfall is in place for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Cooch Behar. Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to exercise extreme caution and avoid non-essential travel as the risk of further landslides and flash floods persists.