Kolkata: West Bengal is reeling under one of its most severe monsoon episodes in recent years as torrential rains triggered massive landslides across the Darjeeling hills, claiming at least 18 lives and leaving several others missing. The relentless downpour, which began on Saturday, has wreaked havoc on infrastructure, flattened homes, and severed critical communication and transport links, isolating numerous villages in the region.
The worst-hit areas include Mirik, Sukhia Pokhari, and Kalimpong, where entire communities have become inaccessible due to washed-out roads and collapsed bridges. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, warning of continued heavy rainfall and the risk of further landslides. The situation is exacerbated by the overflow of the Tala Hydropower Dam in Bhutan, raising fears of potential flooding in downstream regions of North Bengal.
In response to the disaster, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, assuring that the central government would provide all necessary assistance to affected families. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced plans to visit the devastated areas on October 6 to assess the damage personally and coordinate relief measures.
The monsoon onslaught has disrupted transportation networks, leaving many tourists stranded in popular hill stations. Authorities have urged visitors to remain in their accommodations and avoid unnecessary travel, while major tourist spots like Tiger Hill and Rock Garden have been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
Rescue operations are in full swing, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities striving to reach isolated villages and provide aid. Challenging terrain, ongoing rainfall, and damaged infrastructure have slowed the efforts, but teams remain committed to clearing debris and delivering relief supplies.
Despite the devastation, the affected communities have displayed remarkable resilience. Volunteers and local residents have come together to assist rescue teams, providing food, shelter, and information on missing persons. Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation, emphasizing the importance of safety, timely evacuation, and coordinated relief as the region grapples with this natural calamity.
This tragic episode underscores the vulnerability of the Darjeeling hills to extreme weather and the urgent need for disaster preparedness in India’s hill regions. The coming days will be critical in assessing the full scale of damage, rescuing stranded individuals, and restoring essential services.