Rain, landslide leave several dead in Darjeeling hills

Floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains have killed at least 20 people in Darjeeling in northern India, a lawmaker from the region said on Sunday.

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Intense overnight storms which deposited 300 millimetres of rain have left rivers in spate in the mountainous district in the eastern state of West Bengal, causing widespread damage. Raging waters have smashed into bridges and caved in roads.

"In the wake of last night's heavy cyclone in the Darjeeling hills, over 20 people have lost their lives," said Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a lawmaker in India's upper house.

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday expressed sadness over the loss of lives in West Bengal's Darjeeling following heavy rainfall and landslides.

In a post on X, President Murmu said, "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 CP Radhakrishnan on Sunday condoled the loss of lives in Darjeeling following heavy rains and landslides.