Before the Puja celebrations, Kolkata was submerged under six hours of continuous rain. As soon as the festival ended, heavy rainfall triggered disasters across the mountains of North Bengal. In just 12 hours, 261 millimeters of rain fell—something locals say hasn’t been seen in recent memory. Some even claim that the last time such devastation occurred was 27 years ago, in 1998.
Since Saturday night’s incessant rainfall, at least 20 people have died in the hills. Bridges have collapsed, and landslides have damaged homes and roads. The heaviest destruction occurred in Mirik and Sukhiapokhri, with the highest death toll in Mirik. Rescue operations are being conducted by the National and State Disaster Response Forces, the Army, and local police, but bad weather has intermittently disrupted their efforts.
In Daragaon near Sourini, a landslide struck late at night, collapsing a house. In Upper Doodhia or Damphadar area, four to five houses sank and were washed away. That part of Darjeeling had several homestays that were severely damaged. A BSF camp on the bank of the Doodhia River was also affected.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is visiting North Bengal on Monday to assess the situation. She said that since Sunday morning, she has been monitoring developments from the control room at Nabanna. “Disasters are beyond anyone’s control. We are deeply saddened,” she said, adding that she had already held a virtual meeting with officials from five affected districts along with the Chief Secretary. “I’ve been monitoring the situation since 6 a.m., and expect to reach by around 3 p.m. Monday,” she added. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu expressed condolences and solidarity with the families of the deceased.
During the Puja holidays, thousands of tourists visit the hills, and many are now stranded due to the disaster. Although the exact number of stranded tourists isn’t known, officials confirm it is very large. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but most road routes remain blocked due to landslides.
With multiple landslides and collapsed bridges, connectivity between Siliguri and Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim has been severed since early Sunday. Administrative sources confirm that National Highway 10, connecting Siliguri to Kalimpong and Sikkim, is currently closed. In areas like 29 Mile and Rambi Jhora, the Teesta River is overflowing onto NH-10. The alternative route through Dooars via NH-717 is also closed. Landslides at Dilaram and Whistle Khola in Kurseong have blocked NH-55, which connects Siliguri to Darjeeling. The Rohini Road to Darjeeling is heavily damaged. The Doodhia Bridge collapse has cut off Siliguri’s connection with Mirik. The damaged Fulbari Bridge in the hills has isolated regions like Bijanbari and Thanaline.
Chief Minister Mamata stated that the government will ensure stranded tourists are safely brought back home. She urged them not to panic or rush, saying, “Stay where you are. Hotels must not charge extra. It is our responsibility—administration will take care.”
Road conditions
Due to the Doodhia bridge collapse, the main road between Siliguri and Mirik is closed. Administrative reports indicate that stranded tourists in Mirik-Sourini are being moved towards Siliguri via Nal-Potang-Lohagadh. The Siliguri-Darjeeling Rohini Road is closed because of landslides, and Hill Cart Road faces blockages as debris is being cleared. The Pankhabari Road remains open, as does the route from Darjeeling to Siliguri via Mampu. Vehicles are also moving on the Mirik-Pashupati-Ghum-Kurseong route. National Highway 10 remains closed due to the overflowing Teesta and landslides, blocking direct access from Siliguri to Sikkim and Kalimpong. However, the Lava-Gorubathan route and Siliguri-Kalimpong’s Panbu Road remain open. Heavy traffic jams are common on all open routes. Official sources report that hundreds of tourists have managed to descend from Darjeeling and Kalimpong to the plains.
Prime Minister’s message
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in North Bengal’s natural disaster. He said the situation in Darjeeling and surrounding regions is being closely monitored and assured all possible assistance from the central government. President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed condolences and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. On Sunday afternoon, the Prime Minister posted on social media, stating, “We are closely monitoring the situation caused by heavy rain and landslides in Darjeeling and nearby areas. All necessary help will be provided to those affected.”
Abhishek Banerjee’s message
Apart from the Chief Minister, TMC’s All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee also expressed concern over Darjeeling’s disaster. He instructed party workers to stand by the people in this time of grief and conveyed that with the blessings of Goddess Durga, the crisis can be overcome. GTA Chief and Democratic Front leader Anita Thapa claimed that 15 deaths have been reported from Mirik alone, with incidents from other areas continuing to surface. Relief activities have begun, with the SDO, BDO, MP, municipal chairman, and engineers all engaged in coordinated efforts.
MP Raju Bista’s message
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista stated that heavy rainfall caused extensive damage in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, including loss of life, property damage, and destruction of public infrastructure. On social media, he wrote, “I am reviewing the situation and coordinating with officials. Our BJP workers have been instructed to assist people in every possible way.” He also wrote a letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, demanding that the state declare the landslide situation as a state disaster.
