Heavy Rain Triggers Landslides in Darjeeling; 28 Dead

In Brief

• Heavy Rain in Darjeeling

• 28 Dead, Hundreds Trapped

• Police and District Administration Have Started Rescue Operations on a War Footing

(Darjeeling Heavy Rainfall) The tourist city of Darjeeling in West Bengal experienced heavy rainfall on Sunday. Due to continuous heavy rains, there have been significant landslides in the hilly areas, and information has emerged that 28 people have died so far. Hundreds of people are injured, and many are trapped under debris. Roads in Darjeeling, Mirik, and nearby villages have been washed away, and contact with some settlements is completely cut off.

The National Disaster Response Force, police, and district administration have started rescue operations on a war footing. The areas of Sarsali, Jasbirgaon, Dhar village, Nagarakata, and Mirik Basti in the Mirik and Darjeeling regions have suffered the most damage. In Mirik, 13 people have died, and in Darjeeling, 7 people have died. So far, rescue teams have successfully rescued more than 40 people alive. The heavy rain is making it challenging to search for those trapped under the debris.

The local administration has stated that traffic has come to a complete halt due to the collapse of the iron bridge on the Mirik-Darjeeling route. With the connection between Siliguri and Darjeeling severed, it has become difficult to deliver food supplies and aid. Meanwhile, several families have been relocated to safe places, and temporary shelter centers and relief camps have been set up. The police have informed that weather and terrain are hindering the rescue operations.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed sorrow over the incident and appealed to citizens to remain calm. She will be visiting the disaster-affected area today (Monday). Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and North Bengal, predicting more rain.