Leaders Express Grief as Darjeeling Battles Heavy Rain, Landslides; CM Mamata Banerjee to Visit North Bengal

KalimNews, Darjeeling, October 5, 2025 : The hill district of Darjeeling and adjoining regions of North Bengal have been devastated by continuous heavy rainfall and multiple landslides since October 4, resulting in tragic loss of lives, widespread destruction of property, and large-scale disruption of connectivity. According to official reports, at least 23 people have lost their lives, with Mirik identified as the worst-hit area where 11 deaths have been confirmed.

The calamity has drawn national attention and condolences from the highest offices of the country. The President of India, in a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy: “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.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences, writing, “Deeply pained by the loss of lives 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.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that he was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in Darjeeling due to heavy rains.” He confirmed having spoken with Darjeeling MP Raju Bista to assess the ground situation, adding that “teams of the NDRF have reached the spot, and additional teams are on standby to assist as needed.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed her grief, saying, “I am deeply worried and concerned that several areas in North and South Bengal have been flooded due to sudden, heavy rains. We are saddened to know that we have lost some of our brothers and sisters. I convey my heartfelt condolences to their families and have directed immediate assistance to the affected households.” She held a virtual meeting with officials of five North Bengal districts on Sunday to coordinate relief efforts and is expected to visit Siliguri and Darjeeling on Monday to review the flood and landslide situation personally.

Ground Situation and Response

Inspector General of Police (North Bengal) Rajesh Kumar Yadav visited Mirik and the Mirik Hospital to assess the damage and rescue work. He reported that 11 bodies had been brought to the hospital, while several others were injured in areas like Sukhia Pokhri. “The roads remain blocked, and tourists are requested to stay in their hotels until the routes are cleared,” he said. Yadav confirmed that reports of the disaster had been submitted to the state government, which would decide the nature of the disaster declaration. “Teams from SDRF and NDRF have reached Mirik and are actively engaged in rescue operations. Community kitchens have been arranged by the administration to ensure food and shelter for the affected,” he added. He also expressed gratitude to citizens who have come forward to assist in relief efforts.

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, who visited several disaster-affected areas including Dudhey under Mirik subdivision, said that Mirik had been “most severely impacted, with 11 deaths confirmed so far.” He reported that the Dudhey bridge connecting Mirik valley to Siliguri has been closed to traffic, while many homes along the Dudhey, Panighatta, and Pankhabari belts have been either fully or partially destroyed. “I am in constant touch with the Hon’ble Home Minister, senior officials of the Home Ministry, and the Prime Minister’s Office. The situation is being monitored at the highest level, and the Central Government has assured all possible support,” Bista stated.

He lauded the tireless work of first responders, local youths, community volunteers, police, and NDRF personnel who “have saved many lives through their selfless service.” Bista also appealed to political and social organizations to coordinate with authorities in delivering relief and rehabilitation support, emphasizing unity during this crisis. Three teams of the NDRF have already been deployed in Mirik, Alipurduar, and Nagrakata, with additional units being dispatched for the hill areas.

According to initial official figures, landslides have been reported at 35 locations across the Darjeeling Hills. At least 37 houses have been completely destroyed and 98 partially damaged. Eight motorable roads have been washed away, five remain blocked due to fresh landslides, and two bridges have been damaged. Communication and power supply in several villages remain disrupted, with efforts underway to restore connectivity.

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has been leading local disaster management and relief efforts. GTA Chief Executive Anit Thapa stated that community kitchens have been set up in Saureni for people displaced by the landslides. “Continuous heavy rainfall since October 4 has caused severe damage across the Darjeeling Hills. Our disaster management teams, in coordination with SDRF and NDRF, are working actively in rescue and relief operations. We remain hopeful that this tragedy will be recognized as a National Disaster to enable enhanced relief and assistance,” Thapa said.

He confirmed that a virtual meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had been conducted to streamline coordination with the state government. “Monitoring of the situation is being carried out round the clock, with local point persons ensuring effective communication between relief teams and affected residents,” Thapa added.

Three rescue shelters have been established in Mirik, currently housing 80 rescued individuals. Community kitchens are operational to supply meals and essentials. Post-mortems of the deceased have been completed at Mirik Hospital, with medical teams brought in from Kurseong. The administration has arranged vehicles for families to transport bodies for final rites, and ambulance services have been used to transfer four critically injured persons to North Bengal Medical College. Additional medical teams are being deployed to Mirik to support treatment of the injured.

GTA members Arun Sigchi and Amar Lama of the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) visited the affected areas and hospitals to oversee relief operations. Sigchi supervised arrangements for food, shelter, and other necessities, coordinating closely with administrative officials and local volunteers.

Local authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel as several roads remain blocked due to ongoing landslides. Citizens have been asked to inform their respective panchayat or local representatives of any new incidents so that timely assistance can be provided.

As Darjeeling and its neighboring districts grapple with the aftermath of this natural calamity, both the Central and State Governments have assured continuous monitoring and coordinated relief measures. With the combined efforts of the administration, disaster response forces, and the community, authorities are striving to restore normalcy and ensure safety for all residents in the affected hills of North Bengal.