At least 24 dead as heavy rain triggers landslides and floods across north Bengal

At least 24 persons died in Mirik subdivision of Darjeeling district following massive and continuous rainfall since last night, official sources said on Sunday. Authorities fear that the death toll may rise further as rescue operations continue in several parts of Darjeeling and adjoining areas.

- MANAS R BANNERJEE

Heavy rainfall battered large parts of North Bengal, Sikkim, and Bhutan-regions adjoining the Indo-Nepal border-causing widespread damage across the Hills, Terai, and particularly the Dooars. The bridge at Dudhia, which connects Mirik to Siliguri, completely collapsed, washing away several houses along the riverbank. Mirik has been cut off from Siliguri, and many families from vulnerable zones have been moved to safer areas.

The worst-hit area was Mirik, where 11 residents lost their lives in the disaster.

Officials have identified the victims in Mirik as Usha Rai (72), Bijendra Rai (70), Sadhana Tamang (35), Aahan Chhetri (9), Ruhi Tamang (11), Sneha Pradhan (19), Anuj Pradhan (25), Arushi Chhetri (7), Anita Pradhan (45), Fuchung Dukpa (60), and Sumit Lepcha (32), all hailing from various wards of the Mirik Municipality, tea garden areas and other parts.

Beyond Mirik, several other parts of the Darjeeling Hills also witnessed destructive landslides. Victims from these areas include Meena Sewa, Gyanchuk Tamang, Lila Rai, Parusara Subba, Man Bahadur Pradhan, and Bimala Pradhan. Additionally, two unidentified individuals were found in Siyok following the incident, highlighting the scale of the tragedy.

In a particularly tragic development, five Nepali nationals visiting Maneybhanjyang lost their lives in the landslides. The victims have been identified after coordinated rescue operations between Nepal Police and the SSB. They were Deep Basnet (46), Bhawani Basnet (44), Dipika Basnet (12), Rashmika Chhetri (10), and Manmaya Chhetri (67). Officials confirmed that the group had been in the area when the landslides struck late last night.