At least 20 dead as heavy rain triggers landslides in Darjeeling

In West Bengal’s Darjeeling District, more than 20 people lost their due to Incessant rainfall and landslides since Saturday evening in Gorkhaland Territorial Administration in North Bengal. Constant heavy rain struck Mirik, Kurseong, Rangbhang, Pul Bazaar. Heavy rainfall and landslides reported in Kalimpong Hill District and other parts of the hills, leaving behind a trail of devastation, grief, and losses. Teesta River is flowing above the National Highway at several places and disrupted the vehicles movement. 
NH 10 connecting Siliguri Sikkim has been closed at several places. 13 people have tragically lost their lives in Mirik Subdivision, with four others critically injured and referred to North Bengal Medical College & Hospital (NBCH). In Sukhia Pokhri of Darjeeling Subdivision, six people have died, with one person still missing, and in Bijanbari has confirmed one fatality. The Dudhia Bridge connecting Siliguri Mirik has collapsed, cutting off a vital lifeline from Mirik to Siliguri while critical road connections across Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik, Kalimpong, and Sikkim remain disrupted..Authorities have launched rescue and relief operations, with local administration, police, and disaster response teams rushing to the affected areas.“Several casualties are feared due to a major landslide in Darjeeling district triggered by heavy rainfall since last night. The exact figures are not yet known as rescue and relief work has just begun,” the officer said on Sunday.

#WATCH | Dudhia Mirik, Darjeeling | On the landslide situation in the area, Abhishek Roy, Additional SP Kurseong, Darjeeling district police, says, "7 dead bodies have already been recovered from the debris. We have information about two more people. Work is being done to recover… pic.twitter.com/JamX5M12aO

— ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2025

Continuous rainfall has made it challenging for earthmovers and emergency vehicles to reach the site. “The terrain is slippery, and there are reports of multiple houses being damaged. The extent of the damage is still being assessed,” the officer added.Preliminary reports indicate that the landslide occurred near a hill slope along the Mirik-Sukhiapokhri road, disrupting vehicular movement and communication links to several adjoining areas.Teams from the state disaster management department and the Darjeeling district administration, along with local volunteers, have been deployed to assist in rescue operations and provide immediate relief to those affected.Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid travel in the affected areas until the situation is brought under control.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a bridge collapse in Darjeeling. President Murmu said in a post on X, “The tragic loss of lives due to heavy rain and landslides in Darjeeling, West Bengal, is distressing. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue and relief operations and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to a bridge mishap in Darjeeling. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.” “The situation in Darjeeling and 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 added.