DARJEELING CUT OFF, NEPAL FLOODED

A relentless deluge across the Eastern Himalayas has left over 100 dead and hundreds missing, crippling North Bengal, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet with floods and landslides.

- SUPROTIM MUKHERJEE & ADITYA WADHAWAN

A multi-nation Himalayan tragedy has unfolded across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, with torrential rains unleashing deadly landslides, flash floods, and avalanches that have left more than 100 people dead and hundreds missing.

The deluge has wreaked havoc in North Bengal's Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, while Nepal and neighbouring regions remain on high alert as rescue efforts continue under relentless rain.

In North Bengal, at least 21 people have been confirmed dead—11 in Mirik and seven in Darjeeling town—with dozens missing as hillsides collapsed under record rainfall exceeding 300 mm in 12 hours. Roads, bridges, and entire neighbourhoods have been swept away. The bridge linking Siliguri and Mirik has collapsed, isolating thousands of residents and tourists.

"Several houses have been swept away, bridges have collapsed, and key roads remain blocked," said Darjeeling SDO Richard Lepcha. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed multiple teams from Siliguri, Alipurduar, Malda, and Kolkata, while local volunteers struggle through treacherous terrain.