- By Shubham Bajpai
- Sun, 05 Oct 2025 07:33 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The death toll in the devastating Darjeeling landslide has climbed to 20, the officials said, adding that scores were injured as relentless downpours unleashed natural calamities across the Mirik and Darjeeling hills in West Bengal on Sunday.
The landslides swept away the homes, severing road links, isolating villages, and leaving hundreds of tourists stranded.
The NDRF and the district administration have compiled a report stating that fatalities were reported from several locations - Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagrakata and Mirik Lake area.
Terming the situation alarming, North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha said, "As of now, the death toll is 20. It is likely to go up. I am on my way to the area".
The rescue teams managed to pull out 40 people from debris in Dhar Gaon, Nagarakata, where heavy mudslides flattened several houses.
Devastation in Mirik and Darjeeling
The worst-affected area is Mirik, where 11 fatalities have been reported. In Darjeeling, at least seven people have died and the rescue operations have been underway.
Darjeeling Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Richard Lepcha said, "Seven deaths have been reported due to a major landslide in Darjeeling subdivision triggered by heavy rainfall since last night. The rescue and relief work is on".
Among hundreds of those stranded were tourists, who had flocked to the Darjeeling hills to enjoy Durga Puja and post-Puja festivities.
PM Modi expresses grief, CM Mamata to visit affected areas
PM Narendra Modi has condoled the deaths and said that the situation in Darjeeling and the surrounding areas is being closely monitored.
On the other hand, CM Mamata Banerjee announced compensation, though the amount is not specified, and said that she will visit the affected areas on October 6.
While talking to TV9 Bangla, Banerjee said, "Due to incessant rain in Bhutan, water has overflowed into North Bengal. This disaster is unfortunate - natural calamities are beyond our control. We are deeply saddened".
She claimed that over 300 mm of rainfall occurred in just 12 hours. "There has been continuous, heavy rain for 12 hours. Landslides have occurred at seven locations. I am keeping a close watch and hope to reach by around 3 pm on Monday," she said.
BJP targets CM Mamata for attending Durga Puja carnivals
The BJP, however, has targeted CM Mamata for attending Durga Puja carnivals when the state is hit by a major disaster. West Bengal LoP and
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari slammed Mamata and urged various agencies to coordinate relief and rescue operations.
IMD issues alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Kalimpong. Apart from that a red alert has been issued for Alipurduar and Coochbehar, and yellow alert in North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, and Malda till the morning of October 6.
(With PTI Inputs)