At least 17 people killed as heavy rainfall triggers massive landslides across West Bengal's hill district
The picturesque hills of Darjeeling turned into a death trap on Saturday as relentless rainfall triggered devastating landslides that have claimed at least 17 lives, with authorities warning the toll could rise further.
Homes were flattened, roads collapsed, and entire villages were cut off as mudslides swept through the district following over 300mm of rainfall in just 12 hours. The worst-hit areas include Mirik Lake, Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, and Dhar Gaon, where rescue teams are racing against time to locate survivors buried under debris.
"The situation is alarming," said North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha, as five National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams worked through treacherous conditions to reach stranded families. Four survivors have been pulled from the rubble so far, offering a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy.
The crisis isn't limited to landslides. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee revealed that excessive water flow from rivers in Bhutan and Sikkim had compounded the disaster, causing severe flooding across both North and South Bengal. A major flood alert has now been issued for the region as a dam in Bhutan reportedly overflows.
Rescue operations have been hampered by continuing rainfall and dangerous terrain. "The slopes are slippery, and earthmovers can barely operate," a senior police officer told reporters. Several interior villages remain completely inaccessible, leaving families stranded without communication or supplies.
Authorities have evacuated families from high-risk zones in Bishnulal Gaon and Jasbir Gaon, setting up temporary relief camps with help from local NGOs. But with the India Meteorological Department issuing a red alert until October 6, predicting more extremely heavy rainfall, officials fear fresh landslides could strike at any moment.
The tragedy has drawn responses from the nation's highest offices. President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences, calling the loss of life "distressing," while Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was "deeply pained" and assured all possible assistance to affected families.
For residents who've called these mountains home for generations, the disaster is unprecedented. Vital hill routes like the Mirik-Sukhiapokhri road remain blocked, severing lifelines to remote settlements. Power and communication lines lie damaged, leaving many communities in the dark about the fate of loved ones.
As rescue teams continue their grim search through collapsed structures, the focus now shifts to preventing further casualties. With more rain forecast and the ground already saturated, the next 48 hours will be critical for the thousands still living in vulnerable areas across Darjeeling's hills.
The state government has promised immediate assistance to bereaved families, but for now, the priority remains clear: reach those still trapped, evacuate those at risk, and pray the rains finally relent.
