Torrential rain and landslides have killed at least 17 people in Darjeeling and other parts of North Bengal, authorities said Sunday. Rescue and relief operations are underway as the region remains under a red alert for heavy rainfall.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she will visit the affected areas Monday to assess damage and oversee emergency efforts. “Several areas in both North and South Bengal have been flooded due to sudden, intense rainfall within a few hours,” Banerjee said in a post on X.
A key bridge linking Mirik and Kurseong collapsed, disrupting access to tourist destinations during a post-Durga Puja travel rush. The National Disaster Response Force has deployed multiple teams in Mirik for rescue operations, while vehicles have been restricted on the Siliguri–Darjeeling highway.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and said the situation is being closely monitored.