Darjeeling, West Bengal — A deluge of torrential rainfall on October 5, 2025, triggered multiple landslides across the Darjeeling hills, with early reports confirming at least 20 fatalities and many more feared missing. Homes have been flattened, roads blocked, and remote villages cut off as rescue operations intensify.
Extent of Damage & Affected Areas
The landslides hit hardest in the Mirik, Sukhiyapokhri, Nagarkata, and Darjeeling town regions. In Mirik, several houses were totally buried under debris. Key roads were blocked, and the collapse of the Dudhia Iron Bridge disrupted connectivity along the vital Siliguri-Darjeeling route. Other bridges and roads in Kurseong and adjoining areas also gave way under the pressure of landslides and flooding.
Authorities report that fatalities have been recorded in Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagrakata, and around the Mirik Lake area. Among the deceased are several children. The terrain has turned hazardous, making rescue operations extremely challenging.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state disaster response units, police, and local volunteers are working around the clock to reach stranded residents, recover bodies, and restore road access. With mudslides threatening further slope failures, officials are moving residents from unstable zones to safer ground. Relief camps have been set up to provide shelter, food, and medical assistance to displaced people.
Government Response
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced her visit to North Bengal on October 6 to personally assess the damage and oversee relief operations. She said that more than 300 mm of rain fell in just 12 hours, and excessive inflows from rivers in Bhutan and Sikkim worsened the situation. She pledged prompt aid and support to affected communities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed condolences and assured the state of all necessary assistance from the central government. Additional NDRF teams have been put on standby, and local officials have been directed to expedite rescue and relief work.
Weather Alerts & Ongoing Risks
Meteorological officials have issued a red alert for sub-Himalayan West Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, forecasting continued heavy rainfall through October 6. Meanwhile, authorities are on high alert as Bhutan’s Tala Hydropower Dam began overflowing, heightening the risk of downstream flooding in North Bengal.
With roads blocked and communication disrupted, reaching interior hamlets remains a major challenge. The disaster highlights the fragile ecological balance of the Himalayan hills and underscores the urgent need for improved disaster-preparedness and resilient infrastructure in the region.