‘Bengal Tourists Should Stay Put’: Mamata Says Police Will Evacuate, Shares Emergency Numbers

Last Updated:October 05, 2025, 14:57 IST

Mamata Banerjee expressed deep concern over severe flooding in North and South Bengal caused by heavy rain and landslides. She assured tourists of safe evacuation.

Darjeeling: Vehicles stuck in debris after landslides due to heavy rainfall (Photo: PTI)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said she was “deeply worried” and “concerned” over the flooding due to heavy rain in North and South Bengal and acknowledged that the situation caused “disasters” in parts of the state.

“Yesterday night there was sudden rainfall exceeding 300 mm in 12 hours in North Bengal, and there was simultaneously excessive flow of water into Sankosh river and generally flow of river waters from Bhutan and Sikkim. This caused disasters,” she wrote in an X post.

Banerjee also said the tourists in North Bengal have been advised to stay where they are and that they would be rescued by the state police. She also added that the state government would bear the rescue costs for the tourists.

The Chief Minister added that she was keeping all information regarding the rain situation and was giving out instructions accordingly.

“Two iron bridges have collapsed, several roads have been damaged and flooded, huge tracts of land in the districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar have been inundated,” she added.

“There have been reports of worrying damages and losses particularly in Mirik, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Matigara and Alipurduar,” her post read.

“We are advising the tourists in North Bengal to stay put where they are till our police evacuates them safely. Rescue costs are ours and tourists need not be anxious,” the Chief Minister mentioned.

“I am personally keeping information, giving instructions and surveying the situations continually. Our officers and police will reach out all assistance to all affected persons everywhere,” she added.

The Chief Minister also shared helpline numbers for the Nabanna Disaster Management Control Room and said the numbers were functional 24×7

“State HQ and the districts are having 24×7 control rooms. Please connect my Nabanna Disaster Management Control Room at + 91 33 2214 3526 and +91 33 2253 5185, while the Toll Free Numbers are + 91 86979 81070 and 1070,” she mentioned.

Earlier, the Chief Minister announced compensation for the victims without specifying the amount and said she would visit North Bengal on October 6 to assess the situation in the region, where a large number of tourists have also been affected.

At least 14 people died and several others went missing as incessant heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides across the Darjeeling hills in the northern part of West Bengal on Saturday, sweeping away homes, damaging roads and cutting off several remote hamlets.

News agency PTI quoted reports compiled by the NDRF and the district administration, and said fatalities were reported from several locations, Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagarakata and Mirik Lake area.

Darjeeling Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Richard Lepcha told PTI that rescue and relief operations were underway with the help of police, local administration and disaster response teams.

At least 40 people were rescued from the debris in Dhar Gaon, Nagarakata, where heavy mudslides flattened several houses.

ALSO READ | ‘Deeply Pained, Situation Being Monitored’: PM Modi As 14 Die Amid Rain, Landslides In Darjeeling

About the Author

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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