According to the reports on Monday (06 October), The Darjeeling district in West Bengal experienced devastating landslides triggered by over 300 mm of rain in just 12 hours, causing widespread destruction across the hills and the Dooars region. The death toll rose to 24, with several people still reported missing, as rescue operations continued amid challenging conditions. Thousands of tourists were stranded in isolated hill pockets due to blocked roads.
Rescue efforts were led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), using heavy machinery to clear debris and search for those trapped under mud and landslide rubble. More than 40 landslide points were being cleared, and teams worked around the clock to restore connectivity to affected areas including Mirik, Sukhiapokhri, Jorebunglow, and Nagrakata.
The local administration, in coordination with the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) and NGOs, set up relief camps to provide food, blankets, medicines, and drinking water to displaced families. Entire slopes had collapsed, bridges were washed away, and large portions of roads remained buried under mud, making access extremely difficult. Helicopter sorties were being considered to reach some interior villages.
Authorities warned that heavy rainfall was likely to continue, raising the risk of further landslides. Efforts were ongoing to help stranded tourists reach Siliguri via alternative routes. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was scheduled to visit the affected areas, highlighting the seriousness of the disaster and the urgent need for relief and recovery operations.
References
Darjeeling landslides claim 24 lives rescue efforts struggle as tourists remain stranded
Toll in Darjeeling landslides rises to 24, rescue operations on as several people remain missing
