Landslides claim 25, 10 missing

At least 25 people were killed and over 10 went missing in landslides triggered by incessant rains in North Bengal8217;s Darjeeling hills and Dooars, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya said here on Wednesday.

Bhattacharya, who spoke over phone to Minister for Urban Development Asok Bhattacharya visiting the spot, told reporters that the situation was grave with the water level of river Teesta rising.

He said a medical team and relief material had already been rushed to Darjeeling. The road link between Siliguri to Mirik, the worst-Hitarea, was not navigable, he added. The landslides have cut off Sikkim and Darjeeling hilltown from the rest of the country. The state government would has announced a compensation of Rs 20,000 to next of the kin of the deceased.