At least 17 individuals have already died in Darjeeling due to nonstop rain that caused landslides, swept away bridges, and cut off road access to the area. The heavy rains have also cut off Sikkim, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local police fear the death toll may rise as several people remain missing.
"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 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," Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed on X.
Abhishek Roy, Additional Superintendent of Police, Kurseong, said that seven bodies have been recovered from debris so far, with efforts underway to retrieve two more. “A landslide occurred at Dilaram on the Kurseong road that goes to Darjeeling. That road is blocked. The Rohini road is also blocked due to a landslide at Gourishankar. The Pankhabari road’s condition is extremely poor. The Tindharia road is functioning right now. We are trying to evacuate all the tourists in Mirik in three to four hours through Tindharia,” he told the Indian Express.
Notably, at least four bodies were recovered from Dhar Gaon in Mechi, two from Jasbirgaon in Mirik Basti, and two more from Sarsaly. One person was found dead near Mirik Lake, while two others remain missing.
Bridges near Teesta Bazaar and between Mirik and Dudhia have collapsed. Multiple landslides have blocked both National Highways 10 and 717A.
Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has directed that all major tourist attraction sites, including Tiger Hill and Rock Garden, be shut until further notice.
Meanwhile, a helpline (+91 91478 89078) has been launched to assist stranded tourists. “Road clearing work is underway and normal traffic is expected to resume soon,” the West Bengal Police announced on X.
