Death toll rises to 28 as heavy rains wreak havoc in northern Bengal, PM extends condolences

At least 28 people were reported to be killed as relentless overnight rain wreaked havoc in West Bengal’s north on Saturday night and early Sunday. The heavy rains unleashed landslides, washing away bridges and flooding towns from Darjeeling to Cooch Behar.

Authorities noted that at least 28 people lost their lives in the treacherous conditions, most of them were residing in the hill station of Mirik, The Times of India reported. Apart from this, dozens continued to remain missing as rescue teams struggled to reach remote areas cut off by the deluge.

As per the report, Darjeeling recorded 261 mm in 24 hours from 8 am on Saturday, which is classified as ’extremely heavy rainfall’. Meanwhile, Cooch Behar logged 192mm and Jalpaiguri 172mm. Gajoldoba (Jalpaiguri) reported 300mm of rain.

Tourist towns get battered by heavy rains

The worst devastation was reported in Mirik, Jorebunglow, Maneybhanjang, Sukhiapokhri and Falakata. The authorities noted that at least 13 were killed as the tourist town of Mirik saw heavy rains. What is also concerning is that Bengal’s direct link to Siliguri has been cut off.

According to The Times of India, thirteen bodies were found in Mirik, known for its Sumendu Lake and views of Kanchenjunga. Ten others, including tourists in Himadri Purkayet from Kolkata, were missing till Sunday evening. In light of the heavy rains, officials warned that the toll may rise once teams reach the upper hills.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express condolences to the families of the victims. “Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to a bridge mishap in Darjeeling… The situation is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rain and landslides. We are committed to providing all possible assistance,” he wrote in a post on Sunday.

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 surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 5, 2025

The rescue workers pointed out that the heavy downpour has destroyed critical links: an iron bridge on the Balasan River at Dudhia — the only direct route between Siliguri & Mirik — collapsed, isolating nearby communities.

A bridge at Pulbazar was also heavily damaged, cutting off Thanaline and parts of Bijanbari. Rohini Road, a major connector between Darjeeling and the plains, also caved in. NH10, the lifeline to Sikkim, was shut at Chitrey after landslides.

Amid the rains, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway suspended service indefinitely. Flash floods and landslides turned post-Durga Puja holidays in north Bengal into a desperate fight for survival. Hundreds of tourists across Dooars, Kalimpong, and Darjeeling were stuck in hill resorts and wildlife zones.

Many reported power outages, poor connectivity and washed-out roads. As the rains continue to wreak havoc, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee held an emergency virtual meeting with top officials and regional leaders, including Siliguri mayor Gautam Deb and GTA chief Anit Thapa, and announced she would visit the disaster zone on Monday. “Several areas in both north and south Bengal have been flooded due to sudden huge rain and excessive river waters from Bhutan and Sikkim,” Banerjee posted on X.

She ordered the closure of all tourist sites in affected areas & released emergency helpline numbers from the Nabanna control room, assuring tourists that rescue costs would be borne by the state. “Rainfall exceeded 300mm in 12 hours last night. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and have ordered immediate assistance,” she concluded in her post.