The landslides have severely damaged key road networks, including the National Highways 10 and 717A (Photo credit: @RajuBista/X)
Heavy rainfall in North Bengal have caused landslides in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts that have killed at least 14 people, with the toll expected to rise. The rain also led to the collapse of two iron bridges in Darjeeling district. Multiple roads have been damaged and flooded, while large swathes of land have been inundated in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar districts.
Here are five points to know about the crisis:
- 01
14 dead, several missing
The landslides have claimed at least 14 lives in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. Rescue teams, including the NDRF and local police, said two people died in Sarsaly and Jasbirgaon, each, while four bodies were retrieved from Dhar Gaon, Mechi. One person was killed in Mirik Lake, Mirik Basti area, while two were missing. At least 40 people were rescued from the debris in Dhar Gaon, where heavy mudslides flattened several houses.
- 02
Sikkim cut off from Bengal
The landslides have severely damaged key road networks, including the National Highways 10 and 717A, the main roads to Sikkim. A massive landslide has destroyed the bridge connecting Pulbazar to Thanaline. Rising waters of the Teesta river, along with the failure of another iron bridge, have cut off access to Kalimpong. Darjeeling Police have advised commuters to take the route via Ghoom as the Mirik Road remains blocked.
- 03
CM Mamata Banerjee to visit affected regions
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would visit north Bengal on October 6 to assess the situation in the landslide-affected region. Banerjee has announced compensation for the victims without specifying the amount. “I am deeply worried and concerned that several areas in both North Bengal and South Bengal have been flooded due to sudden huge rains within a few hours last night as well as due to rush of excessive river waters in our State from outside,” the CM said. She said state headquarters and the districts are having 24×7 control rooms, and advised contacting her Nabanna Disaster Management Control Room at + 91 33 2214 3526 and +91 33 2253 5185. The toll free numbers are + 91 86979 81070 and 1070.
- 04
How did leaders react?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu extended condolences to the victims’ families on social media. “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,” he wrote on X.
“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,” he added.
President Murmu wrote on X: “The tragic loss of lives due to heavy rain and landslides in Darjeeling, West Bengal, is distressing. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue and relief operations and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”
- 05
Why do landslides occur?
Landslides generally occur when gravity overwhelms the structural integrity of the land along the hill tracts. The reason heavy rain often triggers landslides is that water makes the soil heavier and also reduces friction. Sudden rainfall of 300 mm in North Bengal over a 12 hour period reportedly led to the disaster. In India, landslides are particularly dangerous because unlike for rainfall and cyclone, an adequate early warning system for it is yet to be developed. And during an episode of heavy rainfall, it remains difficult to pinpoint the potential locations of landslides.
