Darjeeling and Kalimpong Landslides Claim 18 Lives, Sever Sikkim Connectivity

Devastation Strikes Darjeeling and Kalimpong Hills

Torrential rainfall on Saturday, October 4, 2025, unleashed a series of devastating landslides across the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, leading to the confirmed deaths of at least 18 people. The continuous downpour, which saw areas like Kurseong record 393.0 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, has caused widespread destruction, sweeping away homes and severely disrupting daily life. Fatalities have been reported from various locations, including Mirik, Sukhia Pokhari, Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagrakata, and the Mirik Lake area. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local administration are engaged in rescue operations, which are significantly hampered by the severe weather and treacherous terrain.

Infrastructure Crippled, Sikkim Isolated

The landslides have inflicted extensive damage on critical infrastructure, particularly bridges and major roadways, effectively severing connectivity to the Himalayan state of Sikkim. Key routes affected include National Highway 10 (NH10), the primary link between West Bengal and Sikkim, which is blocked at multiple points such as Chitrey, Selfie Dara, 29 Mile, Kali Jhora, Seti Jhora, Birik Dara, Likhuveer, Melli, and Bhalu Khola. The alternative route, NH717A, has also been impacted near the Reshi border. Several bridges have collapsed, including the Dudia Iron Bridge over the Balason River, which connected Mirik and Kurseong, and the Bijanbari–Pull Bazar bridge, a vital link for communities like Chungtong and Merrybong. The Kalimpong–Darjeeling route via Teesta Bazar is also shut due to flooding.

Official Response and Ongoing Challenges

In response to the calamity, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her profound sadness and is scheduled to visit the affected areas on October 6 to assess the situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also conveyed his condolences and assured 'all possible assistance' to those affected. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the deployment of NDRF teams, with additional teams on standby. The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has ordered the closure of all tourist spots, including Tiger Hill and Rock Garden, and suspended the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway services to ensure public safety. Thousands of tourists, many visiting during the post-Durga Puja season, are reported to be stranded across the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in sub-Himalayan West Bengal until October 6, with an orange alert for Sikkim, indicating that the risk of further landslides and flash floods remains high.