Heavy rainfall triggered landslides across West Bengal’s Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, disrupting normal life and leaving at least 17 people dead, media reports said on Sunday.
Road connectivity in key routes has been disrupted in the region.
According to reports, connectivity with the northeastern state of Sikkim has been cut off.
A large number of tourists are expected to visit Darjeeling this time, amid the recently concluded Durga Puja, a festival widely celebrated in West Bengal.
Officials warned that the death toll may rise as rescue operations by the Darjeeling District Police continue amid persistent bad weather.
Multiple landslides have cut off road connections between West Bengal and Sikkim, with the main Darjeeling–Siliguri route blocked.
NH10 is closed at several locations, including Chitrey and Selfie Dara. NH717A remains under clearing operations.
The Kalimpong–Darjeeling road via Teesta Bazar is shut due to flooding near Rabijhora.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued two red alerts overnight for all six districts of Sikkim, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds up to 40 kmph.
By early morning on October 5, the alert was downgraded to orange, but officials said rainfall is likely to continue until October 7.
Authorities have also cautioned that downstream flash floods may occur in parts of North Bengal due to heavy rainfall in neighbouring Bhutan.
The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has shut down tourist spots in Darjeeling, including Tiger Hill and Rock Garden, until further notice.
The iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (toy train) services have also been suspended because of unsafe track conditions.
Rescue and relief teams are working to restore connectivity and assist stranded tourists.
Narendra Modi feels deeply pained by the loss of lives in Darjeeling
Indian PM Narendra Modi expressed his sadness over the loss of lives in the Himalayan region.
He wrote on X, “Authorities are closely monitoring the situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas affected by heavy rainfall and landslides. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Wishing the injured a quick recovery.”
“The situation in Darjeeling and the surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected,” he said.
Mamata Banerjee voices concern
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was ‘deeply concerned’ about the current situation in North and South Bengal due to heavy rains.
“I am deeply worried and concerned that several areas in both North Bengal and South Bengal have been flooded due to sudden huge rains within a few hours last night as well as due to rush of excessive river waters in our State from outside,” she said.
“Yesterday night there was sudden rainfall exceeding 300 mm in 12 hours in North Bengal, and there was simultaneously excessive flow of water into Sankosh river and generally flow of river waters from Bhutan and Sikkim. This caused disasters,” the CM said.
“Two iron bridges have collapsed, several roads have been damaged and flooded, huge tracts of land in the districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar have been inundated. There have been reports of worrying damages and losses particularly in Mirik, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Matigara and Alipurduar,” she said.
Alerting tourists, she said: “Meanwhile, we are advising the tourists in North Bengal to stay put where they are till our police evacuates them safely. Rescue costs are ours and tourists need not be anxious.”
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista expressed concern over the massive damage caused in the region due to heavy rains.
He wrote on X: “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.”
