Continuous overnight rainfall has wreaked havoc across North Bengal, claiming at least 14 lives due to landslides in Darjeeling’s Mirik and Sukhia Pokhri. Officials have warned that the death toll could rise as rescue operations by the Darjeeling District Police are still underway, according to a report by NDTV.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives caused by continuous heavy rainfall in Darjeeling and nearby regions. 

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and said that the situation in Darjeeling and its adjoining areas is being closely monitored.

“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 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,” PM Modi wrote.

The extreme rainfall also caused the collapse of a key iron bridge in the region. The Dhudia bridge, over the Balason River connecting Siliguri and Mirik, was damaged and collapsed due to the heavy downpour. This has disrupted local transportation and added to the challenges faced by residents.

Landslides caused by the heavy rains have cut off road connections between West Bengal and Sikkim. The main route linking Darjeeling and Siliguri remains blocked, hampering travel and relief efforts.

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Other parts of North Bengal, including Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, and Coochbehar, are also experiencing the impact of heavy rainfall, with multiple areas facing severe waterlogging.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert on Saturday for sub-Himalayan districts including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar. 

For Sunday, IMD has issued a red alert for Alipurduar and orange alert for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri. According to the RMC Kolkata nowcast, a red alert for extremely heavy rain remains in effect for Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar till 12 noon.

President Droupadi Murmu tweeted

Droupadi Murmu, President of India has shared condolences on X, “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,” she wrote.

BJP leader and Darjeeling MP Raju Bista confirmed that several people have died and properties have been destroyed. 

“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, loss of properties, and damages to infrastructure. I am taking stock of the situation and in touch with the relevant authorities,” Bista wrote on X. 

West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has warned of severe disruptions in North Bengal due to incessant heavy rainfall. 

In a post on X, he wrote, “Due to the incessant heavy rainfall in North Bengal, the hilly regions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong have been severely affected, with communication and transport links to the plains of Siliguri, Terai, and Dooars almost completely disrupted due to landslides and flooding.”

According to the RMC Kolkata nowcast, a red alert for extremely heavy rain remains in effect for Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar till 12 noon.

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The water levels of the Teesta, Mal and other hill rivers have risen well above the danger mark, leading to a flood-like situation. According to the IMD, most areas in these districts are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall until Monday morning.