At least nine people have died and two others are missing after continuous heavy rain caused multiple landslides across the Darjeeling hills on Saturday.
The rain swept away several houses, damaged roads, and cut off many remote areas, officials confirmed.
Rescue and Relief Efforts Underway
Rescue work is on, led by the local administration, police, and disaster response teams, said Darjeeling Sub-Divisional Officer Richard Lepcha. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also joined the operation. Their focus is on the Mirik Lake area, which is one of the worst hit.
According to reports from the NDRF and district officials, nine deaths have been confirmed and two people are still missing. The deaths were reported from Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), and the Mirik Lake region.
Damage and Disruption
In Dhar Gaon, heavy mudslides destroyed several homes. At least four people were rescued from the debris. Traffic has been badly hit on the Mirik–Sukhiapokhri road. Many hilltop settlements have lost phone and internet connections.
North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha called the situation “alarming.” He said reports suggest the toll could be higher.
“The loss of lives is tragic. Our reports show eleven deaths in Mirik and six in Darjeeling, but the number is not yet confirmed,” Guha told PTI.
Challenges in Rescue Work
A senior police officer said ongoing rain is slowing down rescue efforts. The terrain is slippery, and reaching some areas is very difficult.
“Earthmovers are finding it hard to work on steep and muddy slopes,” the officer added.
Families Shifted to Safety
Many families from Bishnulal Gaon, Ward 3 Lake Side, and Jasbir Gaon in Mirik have been moved to safer locations. Temporary relief camps have been set up by the district administration and local NGOs.
Red Alert for More Rain
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in sub-Himalayan West Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, until October 6. Officials have warned of more landslides and road blockages, as the soil remains unstable.
Search for Missing Continues
Authorities said their top priority is to find the missing persons near Mirik Lake and restore connectivity to isolated areas. Rescue teams are expected to continue their work through the night despite the harsh weather.
