PM Modi, President Murmu Express Grief As 14 Die In Darjeeling Landslides

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow over the deaths caused by torrential rains and landslides in Darjeeling and adjoining areas on Sunday.

In an X post, PM Modi extended condolences to the affected families, saying, "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 added that the situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas was being closely monitored and affirmed that authorities are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected.

President Murmu also expressed her grief on X, stating, "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." Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan conveyed similar condolences, expressing deep anguish over the bridge mishap.

Extent of Damage

The heavy rains have triggered massive landslides across the Darjeeling hills, claiming at least 14 lives and cutting off several villages. A major landslide near the Mirik-Sukhiapokhri road destroyed homes, disrupted vehicular movement, and severed communications with neighboring hamlets. Rescue and relief operations are underway with the support of local administration, police, and disaster response teams.

District officials reported that villages like Bishnulal Gaon, Ward 3 Lake Side, and Jasbir Gaon were severely affected, with six fatalities reported in that area alone. One death occurred in a tea estate. Several houses and tea garden quarters were damaged or buried under debris.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Concerned

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed that she was "deeply worried" about the situation in North and South Bengal due to heavy rain. She offered condolences to the bereaved families and assured immediate assistance. Banerjee has been monitoring the situation round-the-clock and held a virtual meeting with the Chief Secretary, DG of Police, and the North Bengal DMs and SPs.

Relief Measures and Transport Arrangements

The North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) arranged three special super express bus services from Siliguri to Kolkata for those stranded, with timings at 5:30 pm (online tickets), 6 pm, and 7 pm (offline tickets). Authorities indicated that additional services would be arranged if necessary.

Rail services under the Alipurduar Division of the North East Frontier Railway have been partially disrupted. Several trains have been diverted, rescheduled, or short-terminated due to waterlogging and track damage, including:

• 13142 New Alipurduar-Sealdah Teesta Torsha Express rescheduled to 18:30 hrs from New Alipurduar
• 15704 Bongaigaon-New Jalpaiguri short-terminated at New Cooch Behar
• 20503 / 12423 Dibrugarh-New Delhi Rajdhani Express diverted via Mathabhanga, Jamaldaha, Maynaguri, and New Jalpaiguri
• 20504 / 12424 New Delhi-Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express diverted via New Changrabandha, Mathabhanga, and New Cooch Behar
• 05932 Dibrugarh-Kolkata Puja Special short-terminated at Dhupguri
• 13150 Alipurduar-Sealdah Express diverted via Baneswar, New Cooch Behar, Mathabhanga, New Changrabandha, and New Jalpaiguri

IMD Alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for extremely heavy rainfall in sub-Himalayan West Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, until October 6. The department warned of possible landslides and road blockages due to saturated soil and steep terrain.

Relief Operations

District authorities have set up temporary relief camps and mobilized medical teams in coordination with local NGOs to provide food, shelter, and assistance to displaced families. Rescue operations continue as authorities closely monitor the situation.