Heavy rains trigger landslides in North Bengal & Sikkim: 14 dead, bridges collapse, villages cut off, rescue underway
In North Bengal and Sikkim, heavy rains have caused severe damage to infrastructure and transportation. It has led to at least fourteen verified deaths.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) October 5: The Darjeeling hills saw numerous landslides on Saturday. It is due to continuous intense rainfall. It has destroyed roads, swept away homes, and shut off several isolated villages. This has left at least fourteen people dead. The rain has also caused an iron bridge to collapse. It connected the cities of Kurseong and Mirik.
The Darjeeling Police has provided a helpline number to help tourists. Tourists can call the Darjeeling Police Control Room at +91 91478 89078 if they need help.
President Murmu and PM Modi Express Condolences
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her pain over the deaths caused by landslides and intense rain in Darjeeling.
She said, "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."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences for the deaths caused. He said, “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.”
IMD Issues Red Alert for West Bengal Hills
The India Meteorological Department has declared a red alert for very high rainfall in sub-Himalayan West Bengal area. It includes Kalimpong and Darjeeling. The advisory has warned of more landslides.
IMD said, “The well-marked low-pressure over west Jharkhand and adjoining areas of south Bihar, southeast Uttar Pradesh and north Chhattisgarh is likely to move north-northeastwards towards Bihar, and weaken gradually into a low-pressure area by Saturday evening.”
Authorities have also warned the people to avoid hiding under trees or electric poles. They should avoid areas near the water bodies.
CM Mamata Banerjee to Visit Affected Areas Monday
On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will travel to Darjeeling. She will assess the flood situation of the area.
Banerjee said, “Two iron bridges have collapsed, several roads have been damaged and flooded, huge tracts of land in the districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar have been inundated. There have been reports of worrying damages and losses particularly in Mirik, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Matigara and Alipurduar.”
Teesta River floods Highways
There has been a significant disruption in the region's connectivity. In the Rabijhora area, the Teesta River flooded National Highway 10. It has resulted in the partial closure of the road that connects Siliguri and Sikkim. The Teesta Bazaar route that connects Kalimpong and Darjeeling, is also submerged.
Furthermore, a landslide on Rohini Road has partially closed the Siliguri-Darjeeling highway. It obstructs road communication between the plains. It includes Siliguri and the Darjeeling hills.
