At least 14 people were killed in multiple landslides triggered by heavy rain in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal Saturday night. Rescue operations are facing significant challenges due to severe weather and widespread damage, raising concerns that the number of casualties may increase. The disaster has cut off communication lines to neighbouring Sikkim after the collapse of the iron bridge near Teesta Bazaar in Kalimpong and a surge in the water level of the Teesta river. Condoling the deaths, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, "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." 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… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 5, 2025 Abhishek Roy, Additional Superintendent of Police, Kurseong, confirmed the recovery of seven bodies from the debris, with efforts underway to retrieve two more. Initial reports from rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the local police, indicate multiple deaths in the Mirik sub-division of the Darjeeling district. In Sarsaly, two bodies have been retrieved. Two bodies have been recovered from Jasbirgaon of Mirik Basti also. In Dhar Gaon of Mechi, four bodies have been recovered while four people have been rescued. At Mirik Lake, one body has been recovered, while two people are still missing as the rescue operation goes on. ASP Roy said, "A landslide occurred at Dilaram on the Kurseong road that goes to Darjeeling. That road is blocked. The Rohini road is also blocked due to a landslide at Gourishankar. The Pankahabri road's condition is extremely poor. The Tindharia road is functioning right now. We are trying to evacuate all the tourists in Mirik in three to four hours through Tindharia." Rescue operations are primarily aimed at evacuating stranded tourists and residents, especially in Mirik, with authorities working to utilise the Tindharia road for the evacuation. Damage to road networks The region's road network is severely damaged. The collapse of the iron bridge between Mirik and Dudhia has isolated Siliguri and Mirik. Also, the rising waters of the Teesta river, along with the failure of another iron bridge, have cut off access to Sikkim and Kalimpong. National Highways 10 and 717A, the main arterial roads, are blocked by multiple landslides. The key route from Darjeeling to Siliguri is blocked at Dilaram, and Rohini Road is completely closed and partially collapsed. Currently, the Panbu road to Kalimpong is open. The Tindharia road is operational for limited evacuations. A massive landslide has destroyed the bridge connecting Pulbazar to Thanaline. Following a disaster advisory, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has ordered the immediate closure of all major tourist attractions, including Tiger Hill and Rock Garden, until further notice. The superintendent of police in Darjeeling issued a public warning, advising travellers to avoid all unnecessary journeys and to remain alert, checking only verified sources for updates. "Due to heavy rainfall last night, several landslides have occurred across the region, causing road blockages and unsafe travel conditions," the order read. Darjeeling MP Raju Bista said he is in touch with relevant authorities while directing party workers to mobilise and assist the affected people. The devastating rain in the past few days has caused massive damages across our region. In the Terai belt, Siliguri, Matigara, Naxalbari and Phansidewa have suffered waterlogging. In Khoribari, Naxalbari areas, flood like situation prevails. All our BJP karyakartas are being… pic.twitter.com/raku3Lko31 — Raju Bista (@RajuBistaBJP) October 5, 2025 Meanwhile, the police launched a hotline to help stranded tourists. "Due to heavy rains last night, some roads in Darjeeling have been flooded, causing traffic disruption. Road clearing work is underway and normal traffic is expected to resume soon. Tourists who are stranded or in need of assistance can contact the Darjeeling Police Control Room at +91 91478 89078," the West Bengal Police posted on X.
