Landslides cut off Darjeeling and Kurseong towns

Darjeeling, July 15: Landslides triggered by heavy rains damaged some houses and cut off Darjeeling and Kurseong towns from the rest of the country since last night, official sources said today.

Darjeeling's Superintendent of police Rajesh Subarna told sources that the mudslides near St Mary School, just above Kurseong town, damaged two houses completely and some partially on the national highway 55, which links hilly Darjeeling and Kurseong towns.

However, there had been no casualty of life has reported in the landslides.

The mudslides, triggered by heavy rains, last night and this morning also blocked the highway and 80 kms road link between Darjeeling, Kurseong and Siliguri.

The movement of toy train between Darjeeling and Kurerong was also suspended as boulders blocked the two-foot guage rail line.

Mr Subarna said barring some small vehicle on emergency purposes, traffic for passenger buses and trucks carrying essential materials had been suspended.

Road menders from Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council were already at the site to restore the link, Mr Subarna added.

UNI