Landslides caused by heavy rainfall in Darjeeling and Mirik result in 23 deaths and multiple injuries. Administration and NDRF are engaged in relief operations. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will visit the affected area.
Darjeeling & Mirik Landslide 2025: Persistent heavy rainfall on Sunday triggered landslides in the Mirik and Darjeeling hills of West Bengal. This natural disaster resulted in the deaths of at least 23 people and left many others injured. Officials reported that several houses were swept away, roads were damaged, and communication to many remote villages was cut off due to the landslides. Hundreds of tourists were stranded, prompting the administration and relief teams to expedite rescue efforts.
Onset of Heavy Rain and Landslides
Torrential rain, which began on the night of October 3, wreaked havoc in the hills of Darjeeling and Mirik. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a heavy rainfall warning just 12 hours prior, but six hours of continuous downpour destroyed the Dudhia Bridge over the Balason River, which connected Siliguri to Mirik. This led to blockages on all national and state highways.
The Darjeeling region has historically been vulnerable to natural disasters. Records indicate that large-scale landslides occurred in 1899, 1934, 1950, 1968, 1975, 1980, 1991, 2011, and 2015. Notably, the devastating floods in October 1968 claimed over a thousand lives.
Death Toll Rises
According to reports from the NDRF and the Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri district administrations of the West Bengal government, the landslide-affected areas include Sarasali, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagrakata, and the Mirik Lake region.
Five bodies were recovered from the debris in Nagrakata, a nearby Jalpaiguri district. A total of 23 deaths have been reported across Mirik, Darjeeling, and Jalpaiguri. In Mirik, at least 11 people died, and seven injured individuals were rescued. Seven deaths were reported in Darjeeling. In Dhar Gaon, at least 40 people were rescued from the debris, while several houses were demolished.
North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha stated that the situation is alarming and the death toll is expected to rise. Anit Thapa, Chief Executive Officer of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), reported that at least 35 locations experienced landslides in the region, famously known as the Queen of the Hills.
Situation of Tourists
Hundreds of tourists, who had arrived in the Darjeeling hills for Durga Puja and other festivities, were stranded due to heavy rainfall and landslides. These included families and groups from Kolkata and other parts of Bengal. Tourists were visiting popular destinations such as Mirik, Ghoom, and Lepchajagat.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that the state government would arrange for the safe return of stranded tourists. She urged tourists not to panic or rush to leave the area. She emphasized that their safety is the state government's responsibility and that hotel operators should not overcharge tourists.
Statements from the Chief Minister and Prime Minister
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced compensation for the victims. She stated that the families of the deceased would receive government compensation, and one member from each family would be provided employment. She announced her visit to North Bengal on October 6 to personally assess the situation in the affected area.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the devastation in Darjeeling. He stated that the situation in the affected areas is being closely monitored, and all possible assistance would be provided to the injured.
Relief and Rescue Operations
Teams from NDRF, police, and local administration have intensified rescue operations. Rescue work is challenging due to debris and damaged roads. Many families in Mirik have been relocated to safer areas. Local NGOs and the district administration have set up temporary relief camps.
Traffic has been disrupted across the entire region due to landslides and road blockages. The iron bridge connecting Siliguri to the Mirik-Darjeeling route was damaged, making access to the area difficult.
Meteorological Department Warning
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall until October 6 in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong. The department warned of the possibility of further landslides due to the fragile soil conditions. People have been advised to remain vigilant in hilly areas and avoid unnecessary travel.
The Darjeeling region has been vulnerable to natural disasters for many years. Significant landslides and floods were recorded in 1899, 1934, 1950, 1968, 1975, 1980, 1991, 2011, and 2015. The devastating floods in October 1968 alone claimed over a thousand lives.
