Darjeeling Landslide Catastrophe: Death Toll Rises to 23 Amid Torrential Rain

The hill districts of Darjeeling are reeling after ferocious downpours unleashed deadly landslides overnight. Local reports confirm that the death toll has now risen to 23, including 18 Indian nationals and 5 citizens of Nepal, with several more feared missing as rescue teams battle difficult terrain and continuous rain.

According to officials, the five Nepalese victims lost their lives along the Indo-Nepal border near Maneybhanjyang, where massive mudslides buried homes and cut off key roads. Mirik has emerged as the worst-affected area, with 11 confirmed deaths, while the remaining casualties are spread across Sukhia Pokhari, Maneybhanjyang, and nearby regions. Bodies have been recovered from villages such as Jasbir, Chamong Gaon, Mechi Dhadh, and Mirik Basti. Among the deceased are elderly residents and several children — including Ahan Chhetri (9), Ruhi Tamang (11), and Arushi Chhetri (12).

The Dudha Bridge has collapsed, cutting off a vital lifeline from Mirik to Siliguri, while critical road connections across Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik, Kalimpong, and Sikkim remain disrupted. The impact goes beyond infrastructure — homes, farmlands, and entire livelihoods have been swept away, leaving families in despair. As the hills come to terms with this heartbreaking tragedy, prayers pour in for those who have lost loved ones and those still enduring hardship. Authorities have emphasized that immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation must now be a shared priority. May peace return to the hills, and may Darjeeling find strength in unity and compassion.

Heavy rainfall also caused the collapse of bridges and washed out vital communication links, severely impacting movement between hill subdivisions. A bridge collapse near Teesta Bazaar has disrupted connectivity between Sikkim and Bengal, while several other routes remain blocked by debris and mudslides.

Government agencies and district authorities have deployed disaster response teams to coordinate search, rescue, and relief operations. The situation remains critical as continuous rain hampers rescue efforts. Local officials have described the scenario as alarming, given the scale of destruction and the ongoing risk of further landslides.

Ajay Edward, Chief of the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front, has appealed to the West Bengal Chief Minister to urge the central government to declare the disaster a National Disaster, citing the widespread human and property loss.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and assured that the central government is monitoring the situation closely while providing full assistance. In his message, he extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her grief and prayed for the success of the rescue and relief efforts.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to visit the affected areas soon and has announced immediate aid and compensation for those impacted.

Local administration have urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid landslide-prone zones. Many remote areas remain cut off due to collapsed roads and bridges, making it difficult for relief teams to reach all affected villages. With rain continuing and the ground unstable, the full extent of the devastation is yet to be known.