Devastating Floods and Landslides in North Bengal: Death Toll Rises to 28 as Rescue Operations Continue

North Bengal Development Minister indicated the death toll is expected to increase.

Darjeeling:

The death toll from devastating landslides and floods in northern West Bengal has climbed to 28, as disaster management teams continued rescue operations on Monday. Several individuals remain missing and thousands of tourists are stranded in isolated hill areas, according to officials.

North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha stated that the death toll will likely increase further.

"The situation remains extremely challenging. Currently, we have reports confirming 28 fatalities. Several more bodies have been recovered since last night. Deaths have been reported from both Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts. Ongoing rainfall is impeding rescue efforts," he informed PTI.

Before departing for Siliguri, the largest urban center in north Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the floods and subsequent destruction as "man-made" while speaking to reporters at Kolkata airport.

She announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for families of flood and landslide victims, along with offering home guard employment to one member from each bereaved family.

"We have received reports of 23 fatalities due to the north Bengal floods thus far. The region experienced over 300 mm of rainfall lasting more than 12 hours from Saturday night through early Sunday," she stated.

Officials report that Mirik, Sukhiapokhri, and Jorebunglow in Darjeeling, along with Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri district, are among the most severely affected areas.

Rescue operations led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) continue across multiple locations, with heavy machinery being deployed to locate individuals potentially trapped beneath debris, officials added.

"Clearing work is in progress at over 40 landslide sites. Our teams are working continuously to reopen the Mirik-Darjeeling and Sukhiapokhri roads," an official stated.

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

"Food, blankets, medicines, and drinking water are being distributed to all displaced families," the official confirmed.

A GTA representative, from the semi-autonomous body governing the Darjeeling hills, noted that road access to numerous hamlets remained cut off even 24 hours after the disaster.

"Entire hillsides have collapsed, bridges have been washed away, and large road sections are buried under mud. Helicopter missions may be necessary to reach some remote villages," the representative explained.

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

Efforts are underway to help travelers reach Siliguri in groups via alternative routes, an official mentioned.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall may persist in the region until Tuesday morning, with weather alerts issued for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar districts, according to an IMD official.

"With saturated soil conditions and continuing rainfall, the risk of additional landslides remains significant," the official warned.