Darjeeling Landslides Death Toll Reaches 24: Rescue Operations Continue as Thousands of Tourists Remain Stranded

Darjeeling landslide death toll has reached 24 as rescue operations continue on Monday with numerous individuals still unaccounted for and thousands of tourists stranded in isolated hill areas, according to officials.

North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha confirmed that the casualty count increased following the recovery of another body late Sunday evening.

"We are facing extremely difficult conditions. Several individuals remain missing, and the death toll is expected to increase. Ongoing rainfall is impeding rescue efforts," he informed PTI.

Officials reported that the landslides, caused by over 300 mm of precipitation within just 12 hours, have devastated the Darjeeling hills and the Dooars region at the foothills.

The most severely affected locations include Mirik, Sukhiapokhri, and Jorebunglow in Darjeeling, as well as Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri district.

Rescue operations led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are ongoing across multiple locations, with heavy machinery being deployed to locate people believed to be trapped beneath debris piles.

"Clearance work is in progress at more than 40 landslide sites. Our teams are working continuously to reopen the Mirik-Darjeeling and Sukhiapokhri roadways," an official stated.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to visit the disaster-affected areas later today.

The district administration has established relief centers in coordination with the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) and local NGOs, according to an official.

"Essential supplies including food, blankets, medicines, and drinking water are being distributed to all displaced families," he said.

A GTA official mentioned that road connections to numerous hamlets remained cut off even 24 hours after the disaster.

"Complete hillsides have collapsed, bridges have been washed away, and large sections of roads are buried under mud. Helicopter missions may be necessary to reach some remote villages," he explained.

Hundreds of tourists who had traveled to the hills for Durga Puja holidays remain stranded as the main roads to Siliguri at the foothills are blocked.

Authorities are working to help these visitors reach Siliguri in groups via alternative routes, an official confirmed.

An IMD official warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall may persist in the region until Tuesday morning, with alerts issued for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar districts.

"With saturated soil conditions and continuing rain, the risk of additional landslides remains significant," he cautioned.