Darjeeling Landslide Survivors Recount Horror as Death Toll Rises Above 30

The death toll from devastating landslides and floods in northern West Bengal has climbed to over 30.

Over 20 families from Darjeeling's Soureni village have found refuge in a community hall after their homes were destroyed by catastrophic landslides and floods two days ago. Many residents lost not only their homes but also family members. NDTV interviewed a family of four who survived the disaster but lost relatives in the tragedy.

Tara Chetri, 57, described the terrifying experience: "Around 2:30 in the morning, while we were asleep, it suddenly felt like a cloudburst. A large stone struck our house. I somehow managed to survive, but my brother and his family perished."

Manoj, the youngest family member, told NDTV he awoke after "hearing loud noises of rocks striking" their home. "We alerted the villagers and evacuated to another location. When we returned in the morning, we discovered our people trapped beneath the debris. It was devastating," he recounted.

Munni Chetri, another family member, appealed to the government for permanent housing. "We lost our loved ones and couldn't save any possessions. While we're receiving food at the relief camp, we urgently need permanent land and a home. We need safety," she emphasized.

According to Subrana Chetri, government officials have made promises of assistance. "The local administration has assured us they're identifying new land for our rehabilitation and will help us rebuild our homes. We'll see what happens next, though it might take two to three months," she said.

Rescue operations continue as disaster management personnel search for several missing individuals, with many tourists still stranded in isolated hill areas. Officials confirm the death count from these devastating landslides and floods in northern West Bengal has exceeded 30.