Devastating Floods in Darjeeling: 17 Dead, Tourists Advised to Stay Put as Rescue Operations Underway

State headquarters and district authorities have established 24/7 control rooms to manage the ongoing crisis.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed profound concern on Sunday regarding the catastrophic floods and landslides that have claimed at least 17 lives in Darjeeling and severed road connections to critical routes, including access to the Himalayan state of Sikkim.

"I am deeply worried and concerned that several areas in both North Bengal and South Bengal have been flooded due to sudden huge rains within a few hours last night as well as due to rush of excessive river waters in our State from outside," Banerjee stated on social media platform X.

She further explained, "Yesterday night there was sudden rainfall exceeding 300 mm in 12 hours in North Bengal, and there was simultaneously excessive flow of water into Sankosh river and generally flow of river waters from Bhutan and Sikkim. This caused disasters."

Banerjee extended her condolences to the affected families, stating, "We have been shocked and saddened to know that we have lost some brothers and sisters in the situation evolved by huge rainfall and river floods. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and shall send all assistance to the families immediately."

The Chief Minister detailed the extensive damage across multiple areas including Mirik, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Matigara, and Alipurduar. She noted that two iron bridges have collapsed, numerous roads have been damaged and flooded, and vast tracts of land in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar districts are now underwater.

Banerjee has been actively managing the crisis, saying, "I have been monitoring the situation from last night on round-the-clock basis. I have held virtual meeting with Chief Secretary, DG of Police, the North Bengal DMs and SPs, and the meeting has been attended also by public representatives like Gautam Deb and Anit Thapa. I am in constant touch and am personally going to North Bengal with my Chief Secretary tomorrow in this connection."

For tourists stranded in the affected areas, Banerjee offered reassurance: "We are advising the tourists in North Bengal to stay put where they are till our police evacuates them safely. Rescue costs are ours and tourists need not be anxious."

Some locations have experienced particularly severe impacts. "Some places (like Mirik, due to natural position) have been affected severely, while many other places are also under our intensive monitoring. I am personally keeping information, giving instructions and surveying the situations continually. Our officers and police will reach out all assistance to all affected persons everywhere," she added.

The state has established disaster management control rooms, with the Nabanna Disaster Management Control Room available at +91 33 2214 3526 and +91 33 2253 5185. Toll-free numbers include +91 86979 81070 and 1070.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu have also expressed their condolences over the tragedy in Darjeeling. Both leaders offered sympathies to the victims' families and assured that all possible assistance is being provided to those affected.

"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 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," PM Modi stated on X.

President Murmu shared, "The tragic loss of lives due to heavy rain and landslides in Darjeeling, West Bengal, is distressing. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue and relief operations and wish a speedy recovery to those injured."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah communicated with Darjeeling MP Raju Bista and expressed his hopes for the rapid recovery of those injured. "Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in Darjeeling due to heavy rains. My thoughts are with the people who lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," Shah wrote on X.

BJP leader Agnimitra Paul also voiced her distress over the situation, noting, "Deeply saddened by the tragedy in Darjeeling. Heavy rainfall and devastating landslides have claimed several lives. The collapse of the iron bridge and rising Teesta waters have cut off Sikkim and Kalimpong from the rest of the region."

As a precautionary measure, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration has closed tourist destinations in Darjeeling, including Tiger Hill and Rock Garden. The iconic toy train services have also been temporarily suspended.