Torrential rains have unleashed widespread devastation across North Bengal and parts of Eastern Nepal, leaving at least 14 people dead and crippling vital infrastructure. The districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim are grappling with landslides, collapsed bridges, and blocked highways. Meanwhile, Nepal’s Koshi Province has also reported multiple fatalities.
As per the information, six people lost their lives in Mirik due to a massive landslide. The collapse of the Dudia Iron Bridge, a key connector between Mirik and Kurseong, has severed road access. It has also isolated communities in the Darjeeling District. In the Kalimpong district, continuous rainfall has triggered landslides and road blockages. National Highway 717E—an alternative lifeline between Siliguri and Sikkim—has completely shut down between Pedong and Rishikhola. In Eastern Nepal’s Koshi Province, local reports say landslides that began Saturday night have killed at least 14 people.
Infrastructure collapse and travel disruptions
The iron bridge over the Balason River at Dudhia, which links Siliguri and Mirik, gave way after relentless overnight rain. Traffic on the Siliguri-Darjeeling SH-12 route has been halted, and rising water levels have prompted emergency alerts. Police from the Garidhura outpost are monitoring the situation closely.
Additional landslides have been reported near Hussain Khola on National Highway 110, further complicating rescue and relief operations.
Rescue operations underway
Emergency teams, including local police and disaster response units, are working under extreme conditions to reach affected areas. BJP Darjeeling MP Raju Bista expressed deep concern over the destruction, stating that party workers have been mobilised to assist residents. “We are doing everything in our power to help and assist our people,” he said in a social media post.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan expressed their anguish over the devastation in the North Eastern State. “The tragic loss of lives due to heavy rain and landslides in Darjeeling, West Bengal, is distressing. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue and relief operations and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” the President wrote on her official X handle.
IMD issues alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple alerts:
- Orange Alert: Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, and Coochbehar
- Red Alert: Alipurduar
- Yellow Alert: North and South Dinajpur, Malda
Authorities have urged residents to avoid sheltering under trees or near electric poles. They should also stay away from rivers and streams due to the risk of flash floods and further landslides.
