Continuous heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in North Bengal, especially in the hill district of Darjeeling. Multiple landslides have claimed at least seven lives and caused widespread destruction. The extreme weather has also damaged vital infrastructure and cut off several routes connecting hill towns.
Officials confirmed that the landslides were triggered by intense downpours on Sunday, which buried homes and swept away vehicles in several parts of Darjeeling. Rescue operations are underway, though bad weather and damaged roads are slowing down relief efforts.
Dhudia Bridge Collapses, Cutting Off Siliguri–Mirik Route
One of the most severe damages was reported at Dhudia, where the iron bridge over the Balason River collapsed due to the force of the rain-swollen waters. The bridge served as a crucial link between Siliguri and Mirik, and its collapse has completely halted traffic movement. Authorities are urging residents to avoid traveling near the affected areas as engineers assess the structural damage.
Raju Bista Expresses Grief Over Losses
Darjeeling BJP MP Raju Bista expressed deep sorrow over the scale of devastation. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), “I am extremely anguished to learn about the massive damages caused due to extremely heavy rainfall in many parts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. There have been deaths, and loss of properties, and damages to the infrastructure. I am taking stock of the situation, and in touch with the relevant authorities.” Bista also confirmed that party workers have been mobilized to assist locals in the affected regions.
Landslide in Dara Gaon Kills Four During Festival Visit
A tragic landslide struck Dara Gaon near Soureni in the Mirik region between 2 and 3 AM, killing four people who were asleep inside their home. According to Mirik Panchayat Samiti leader Aditya Pradhan, “They had gone to Dara Gaon from Salbari near Siliguri to celebrate Dasai (Dusshera), the biggest festival of the Gorkhas.” Rescue workers later recovered their bodies from the debris.
IMD Issues Red and Orange Alerts for North Bengal
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar, warning of more heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours.
For Sunday, the IMD maintained a red alert for Alipurduar and an orange alert for Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Jalpaiguri.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Kolkata also issued a nowcast warning of heavy rainfall, urging people to stay indoors and avoid hilly roads and riverbanks.
Relief Efforts and Ongoing Risk
Authorities have deployed disaster response teams to restore road connectivity and assist affected families. However, continuous rainfall is hampering efforts to clear blocked roads and landslide debris. The administration has urged residents to move o safer areas as the situation in parts of North Bengal remains critical.