North Bengal Hit Hard by Landslides and Floods — Leaders Rush to Aid Amidst Widespread Destruction

KalimNews, Kalimpong, October 7, 2025 : The day after relentless rains wreaked havoc across Kalimpong district and the Darjeeling hills — claiming more than 20 lives and leaving many missing — political leaders and government officials raced to Mirik, in Darjeeling district, the epicenter of the tragedy. In the Mirik subdivision alone, 11 people have died. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to visit Mirik on Tuesday to assess the damage and provide direction to relief efforts.

Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Chief Executive Anit Thapa visited Dhar Gaon of Soureni in Mirik, one of the worst‑hit zones, to meet displaced families and survey the destruction. Four deaths were recorded in Soureni alone. After examining the landslide‑affected areas on Monday, Thapa spoke with survivors at a relief camp, conveying his condolences and pledging full administrative support. “I know the pain you are going through. Please give us some time — we will rebuild homes for those who have lost everything, at safer locations,” he said. Thapa further noted that during his meeting with the Chief Minister, they discussed strategies to maximize relief for victims. He acknowledged Banerjee’s announcement of ex-gratia payments of Rs. 5 lakh to bereaved families and offering a Home Guard job to one family member of each deceased, calling her decision “compassionate.”

Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla said he had approached Army officials about constructing a temporary Bailey bridge over the Balason River at Dudhey; Army engineers have already conducted a survey. Accompanying him, Principal Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD) Antara Acharya said the PWD would build a permanent alternative bridge within a year; in the interim, a Hume pipe bridge is under construction and expected to be ready in about 20 days.

West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose toured the Dudhey area with MP Shringla, describing the destruction as severe and calling for cooperative efforts between the state and Central governments. “This is not the time for a blame game — both state and Central governments must work together to deal with this situation. I will send reports to competent authorities of the State and Centre after reviewing the situation,” he told media.

The Raj Bhavan has activated a 24×7 “peace room” to monitor the crisis round-the-clock, and a Rapid Action Cell has been established to manage distress calls from landslide- and flood-affected zones. The cell, headed by an Officer on Special Duty, is reachable at 033‑22001641 or via email at peaceroomrajbhavan@gmail.com.

Lok Sabha MP Raju Bista also visited severely impacted zones in Mirik.

Monday’s efforts saw landslide debris cleared from key hill roads to restore connectivity. The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. imposed restrictions on heavy commercial vehicles on NH‑10 (Siliguri–Sikkim route) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (12:00 am to 11:59 pm) to ease traffic flow and reduce risk.

Governor Bose had earlier visited flood- and landslide-hit areas across North Bengal’s hills and plains to assess damage and speak with residents. He emphasized that despite rains having eased by Monday, rivers such as the Balason still surged strongly, and urged cooperation across government levels. 

Tourists stranded in the hills and Dooars were assisted by the Siliguri Municipal Corporation, which established a Help Desk at Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus and arranged free lodging at youth hostels, Panthanivas, Agrasen Bhavan, and local hotels. Mayor Gautam Deb confirmed that many tourists were brought down safely overnight and that more are being evacuated through alternate hill and Dooars routes, including via Alipurduar. 

The Siliguri Police Commissioner organized assistance booths at NJP Station, Hill Cart Road, Bagdogra Airport, Sukna, and Salugara, offering water, biscuits, and routes to safe transit. Alongside regular Volvo buses, 45 additional Volvo buses, 20 NBSTC buses, and 150 smaller vehicles have transported over 3,300 tourists. Overnight accommodation was arranged for 230 people.

While many tourists have evacuated, some opted to stay behind. The Himalayan Hospitality & Tourism Development Network (HHTDN) reported that approximately 100 tourists left Mirik; others were evacuated from Tabakoshi, Chamong, Tonglu, Tumling, and Bijanbari blocks. The regional tourism industry has taken a heavy hit amid what should be peak season. 

Some travelers have postponed or canceled their trips to Darjeeling and Kalimpong, shifting to alternate destinations like Sikkim and the Dooars. Debashis Chakraborty, general secretary of the Eastern Himalaya Travel and Tour Operators’ Association, warned that this disaster is another setback following the 2023 GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) in Sikkim. Chakraborty also added that the region is particularly vulnerable and recovery will require coordinated support across districts and governments. The extensive loss of infrastructure, homes, lives, and livelihoods demands immediate aid and long-term rehabilitation.

As of now, NH‑110 (Darjeeling route) and NH‑10 (Kalimpong/Sikkim route) remain open, allowing travelers to return to Siliguri. Metropolitan Police sources reported aiding 3,300 tourists so far, deploying additional buses and small vehicles. Assistance booths at key transit points are providing guidance and aid. Though most tourists have been evacuated, some opted to remain. According to HHTDN, about 100 left Mirik, and others were evacuated from various hill blocks. The tourism sector now faces major losses during a peak season. Many visitors either canceled or postponed trips, switching to safer alternatives.

In neighboring districts, infrastructure damage is mounting. In Darjeeling, 20 roads have been destroyed — including key access roads such as Ghoom–Bhanjyang to Bijanbari BDO office, Ghoom–Simana, Peshoke road, Lebong road, Richmond Hill route, Sukhiyapokhri–Manebhanjan, Maneybhanjang–Sandkphu, and Bagora–Kalijhora. Some areas became inaccessible following heavy rains. 

A source stated that the PWD estimates a cost of Rs. 8.09 crore for temporary repair of all damaged stretches in Darjeeling. In Kalimpong, five major roads — Teesta Valley, Lower Rishi, Relli–Deorali, and NH 717A (Pedong Bazaar to Lingsey) — were hit; temporary repair is estimated at Rs. 2.18 crore. In Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri, 38 roads were damaged in Cooch Behar alone, with temporary restoration costs estimated at Rs. 2.01 crore.

Disaster management personnel continued rescue and relief efforts, while road connectivity to Mirik was being re-established at top priority. The NH‑10 and Darjeeling–Siliguri via Pankhabari/Tindharia routes remained open to vehicular traffic. The GTA leadership asked local Sabhasads to identify suitable land for relocating families whose homes were destroyed. Relief camps have been established in community halls, such as Mirik Bazar hall accommodating about 24 completely displaced families.

Speaking to reporters, Thapa said, “During the rainy seasons such types of natural calamities are frequently witnessed in the hills. This time many lives have been lost. We have already had a virtual meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday regarding the landslides. We are also trying to ascertain the extent of damage that have taken place and proper assessment is being made after which we will make the final report public.” He confirmed that NH 10 remains open, and work has begun to open Rohini Road and install a temporary Bailey bridge over Dudhia where the iron bridge collapsed. 

Anit Thapa visited landslide-ravaged areas including Saureni, Dhad Gaon, Mirik municipality, and Thana Line, interacting with displaced residents and promising essential aid. He instructed local Sabhasads to provide clothing, shelter, and food. He reaffirmed his commitment to rebuild homes on safer land and appealed to residents to trust the process. He also urged removal of politics from relief, stressing “This is not the time for politics. Let us find solutions and work. Eleven people have died in Mirik alone.”

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista visited landslide-affected areas and relief camps, stating that immediate priorities include relief, food, shelter, and medical care, followed by long-term rehabilitation. At Soureni, Bista distributed essential supplies to displaced families, visited the Mirik Block Primary Health Centre, met with injured victims, and pledged continued support. He confirmed that his office had dispatched emergency relief materials and was coordinating with volunteers to ensure timely delivery.

District Magistrate Preeti Goyal inspected Dudhey and ruled out immediate construction of a Bailey bridge due to strong currents. She proposed a subway (low-water) passage or a temporary alternative bridge over the Balason River as interim solutions. Tourists stranded across hill zones began descending to Siliguri late Sunday evening. Civic bodies, police, and tourism stakeholders arranged transport and temporary accommodation. Mayor Deb confirmed free lodging in Kanchenjunga Stadium hostel, Pantha Niwas, and Agrasen Bhavan, and inaugurated a help desk at the Tenzing Norgay Central Bus Terminus with a dedicated helpline (7557035194).

Mirik Municipality Chairman L.B. Rai estimated over 100 houses have been completely destroyed, with many more partially damaged. He said relief operations are well underway, with provision of food, shelter, and medical aid. 

Meanwhile, in Dudhey, where the iron bridge over the Balason River collapsed, residents expressed frustration over delays in relief and infrastructure repair. Many blamed political posturing for lack of tangible action. Dudhey locals said two houses had collapsed, others were perilously close, and no official had visited in person to assess the damage. Youth leader Sudarshan Subba noted that Dudhey is typically neglected in development plans, and accused leaders of doing photo-ops without delivering results. Despite visits from the Governor, MPs, mayors, and GTA representatives, residents said little concrete work had commenced.