At least 18 killed as heavy rains trigger massive landslides in Darjeeling

Torrential rains have triggered massive landslides in the Darjeeling hills of West Bengal on Sunday, killing at least 18, including children and injuring several others. One of the worst slides took place near the Mirik-Sukhiapokhri road in the Darjeeling subdivision, sweeping away homes and disrupting vehicular movement, severing communication with adjoining hamlets.

“At least seven deaths have been reported due to a major landslide in the Darjeeling subdivision triggered by heavy rainfall since last night. We don’t have the exact figures right now as the rescue and relief work has just started,” Darjeeling Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Richard Lepcha told PTI.

Rescue and relief operations are underway with the local administration, police, and disaster response teams. According to district officials, Bishnulal Gaon, Ward 3, Lake Side, and Jasbir Gaon were among the worst hit, with six deaths reported there, while another person died in a tea estate. Several houses and tea garden quarters have been damaged or buried under debris.

A senior police officer said the exact casualty count is still being verified as heavy, continuous rainfall is hampering access. “The terrain is slippery, and there are reports of several houses being damaged. The extent of damage is yet to be ascertained,” the officer said, adding that the movement of earthmovers and emergency vehicles has become extremely difficult.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for extremely heavy rainfall over sub-Himalayan West Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, till October 6, warning of further landslides and road blockages.

Officials said heavy rain since Friday night has triggered multiple incidents of soil erosion and smaller slides, damaging stretches of key roads and isolating several tea garden settlements. District authorities have set up temporary relief camps and mobilised medical teams in coordination with local NGOs to provide food and shelter to the displaced families.
(With PTI inputs)