17 Dead After Heavy Rain Triggers Landslides in Darjeeling, Cuts Off Sikkim

Road connections between West Bengal and Sikkim have been cut off due to landslides

Kolkata:

Seventeen people have died in West Bengal's Darjeeling after heavy rain triggered landslides and cut off road connectivity on key routes. Officials have stated that the calamity has severed connectivity to the Himalayan state of Sikkim.

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Darjeeling in north Bengal experienced heavy rainfall overnight, resulting in landslides in areas such as Mirik and Sukhia Pokhari. Police and local administration have initiated rescue operations. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to visit Darjeeling tomorrow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed that he is "deeply pained" by the loss of lives in Darjeeling. "We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected," he stated on X.

The landslides have caused roadblocks on critical routes, including the road connecting Bengal and Sikkim and the one linking Darjeeling and Siliguri.

Many tourists from Kolkata and other parts of Bengal travel to Darjeeling following the Durga Puja celebrations. Consequently, numerous tourists are likely affected by this calamity.

To prevent any unfortunate incidents, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration has decided to close tourist attractions in Darjeeling, including Tiger Hill and Rock Garden. The toy train services have also been temporarily suspended.

Authorities have urged residents and tourists to exercise caution and stay informed about road and weather conditions. Bengal police have established a hotline for stranded tourists and residents: 9147889078

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has voiced concern regarding the widespread damage caused by the heavy rainfall. "There have been deaths, loss of properties, and damage to the infrastructure. I am taking stock of the situation and in touch with the relevant authorities," he posted on X.

Heavy rain has also impacted other areas in north Bengal, such as Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, and Cooch Behar, resulting in waterlogging in several locations.

The weather office had previously warned of heavy rain in North Bengal and Sikkim. It had also issued two red warnings for Sikkim, predicting moderate thunderstorms with lightning, heavy rains, and gusty winds. The weather office has indicated that rainfall in the region is expected to continue until October 7. Officials have also cautioned that this may lead to flash floods in North Bengal.

Images from the affected areas show damaged bridges, washed-out roads, and rivers flowing at dangerous levels. The weather conditions in the region have also caused significant damage in Nepal, claiming 22 lives in the past 36 hours.