At least 17 people have lost their lives and several others remain missing after relentless rainfall triggered a series of devastating landslides across the Darjeeling hills on Saturday. The downpour swept away homes, blocked key roads, and left multiple remote areas completely cut off. According to officials, major routes connecting Bengal to Sikkim and Darjeeling to Siliguri have been severely damaged, disrupting transport and communication lines. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with local authorities, has launched large-scale rescue and relief operations across Mirik, Sarsaly, and Dhar Gaon — among the worst-affected regions.

Rescue teams continue to search through debris in treacherous conditions, as continuous rain and unstable slopes hinder relief work. “The terrain is slippery and operating earthmovers has become extremely challenging,” a senior police officer reported. In Dhar Gaon, several houses were buried under mudslides, though four residents were successfully rescued. The North Bengal Development Minister, Udayan Guha, described the situation as “alarming,” confirming that 11 deaths occurred in Mirik and six in Darjeeling, with the toll expected to rise as more areas are surveyed. Temporary relief camps have been established, and hundreds of residents have been evacuated to safer shelters.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the Darjeeling and Kalimpong regions, warning of further heavy rainfall and possible landslides until October 6. With key routes like the Mirik-Sukhiapokhri road blocked and communication networks down in several hilltop settlements, restoring connectivity remains a top priority for the administration. Teams are working through the night to trace missing individuals and clear access roads. Officials caution that the saturated soil conditions pose continuing risks, as the region braces for more rainfall in the coming days.