Tragic Landslides in Darjeeling and Kalimpong Claim 14 Lives Amid Torrential Rains
Darjeeling/Kalimpong, West Bengal — At least 14 people have lost their lives following a series of devastating landslides triggered by relentless heavy rainfall in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal on Saturday night.
The calamity has left entire communities in shock and prompted urgent rescue efforts under extremely challenging conditions.
Rescue operations have been severely hampered by ongoing adverse weather and extensive infrastructural damage, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.
The disaster has also disrupted communication and transport links, isolating neighbouring Sikkim after the collapse of the iron bridge near Teesta Bazaar in Kalimpong and a sudden surge in the water level of the Teesta River.
Authorities are grappling with blocked roads, damaged bridges, and swollen rivers, complicating relief and evacuation efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, posting on X: “Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to a bridge mishap in Darjeeling.
Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The situation in Darjeeling and the surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides.
We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
Local authorities, in coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state disaster management teams, are working tirelessly to rescue survivors, provide medical aid, and restore connectivity.
Emergency shelters have been established for those displaced, and helicopters are being deployed to survey inaccessible areas.
The landslides, which have swept away homes, vehicles, and portions of critical infrastructure, serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of hilly terrains to extreme weather events.
Officials have warned residents to remain vigilant as heavy rains are expected to continue, heightening the risk of further landslides in the region.
Communities across Darjeeling and Kalimpong are now grappling with the dual challenges of mourning the victims and rebuilding after this sudden natural disaster, highlighting the urgent need for long-term landslide mitigation and climate-resilient infrastructure in these fragile mountainous areas.
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