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At least 20 killed in Mirik and Darjeeling hills as rain triggers landslides. CM Mamata Banerjee and Governor to visit. PM Modi and President Murmu express grief.
Rescue operation underway after landslides hit the area following heavy rainfall, in Darjeeling, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (PTI)
At least 20 people, including several children, were killed and several injured as rain unleashed massive landslides across Mirik and Darjeeling hills in West Bengal on Sunday, sweeping away homes, severing road links, isolating villages, and leaving hundreds of tourists stranded.
Police and local administration have started a rescue operation. Major highways like NH 55 and NH 10 remain blocked, paralysing transport to and from Siliguri and cutting off several remote hamlets.
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CM Mamata Banerjee To Visit Darjeeling
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be visiting Darjeeling tomorrow. She chaired an emergency meeting on the north Bengal floods on Sunday. “On Saturday night, there was sudden rainfall, exceeding 300 mm, in 12 hours in north Bengal. Simultaneously, there was an excessive flow of water into the Sankosh and generally, the flow of river waters from Bhutan and Sikkim. This caused a disaster. We are shocked and saddened to know that we lost some brothers and sisters… I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and shall send all assistance to them immediately,” Banerjee said.
“I have been monitoring the situation around the clock since Saturday night. I held a virtual meeting with the chief secretary, the DG of police and North Bengal DMs and SPs. The meeting was attended by Gautam Deb and Anit Thapa. I will go to North Bengal with my chief secretary on Monday,” she added.
Police Advise Tourists To Stay Indoors
“Due to heavy rainfall last night, landslides have occurred on some roads in Darjeeling, affecting traffic movement. Our teams are working to clear the roads. Tourists who are stranded or require assistance may contact the Darjeeling Police Control Room at +91 91478 89078 or via WhatsApp,” the advisory said.
The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has temporarily closed popular tourist spots such as Tiger Hill, Rock Garden, and Batasia Loop to prevent further mishaps. Toy train services between Darjeeling and Ghum have also been suspended.
As Darjeeling faces its worst rain disaster in years, thousands remain stranded amid power outages and disrupted communication. The once lively hill town, filled with the buzz of tourists, now lies silent, wrapped in fog and uncertainty.
PM Modi Expresses Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday expressed grief over the loss of lives due to heavy, incessant rain in Darjeeling and other adjoining areas.
PM Modi has said he is “deeply pained” by the loss of lives in Darjeeling. “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. The situation in Darjeeling and the surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected,” PM Modi wrote on X.
President Murmu, too, in an X post, mentioned, “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.”
Governor To visit North Bengal
The Governor will leave for North Bengal tomorrow. He was in Kerala today. Cutting short all his scheduled programmes in Kerala, he will travel from Kerala to Hyderabad and from Hyderabad to Bagdogra Airport tomorrow. The Governor is expected to arrive at Bagdogra Airport around 12:50 p.m.
October 05, 2025, 23:32 IST
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