North Bengal Rains Trigger Landslides: 6 Dead in Darjeeling, Roads Blocked in Kalimpong

Kalimpong: Continuous rainfall across North Bengal and Sikkim has caused widespread disruption, with multiple landslides reported in Kalimpong and at least six confirmed deaths in Darjeeling district. Key highways have been blocked, bridges have collapsed, and traffic movement remains severely affected in several areas.

Kalimpong Suffers Multiple Landslides, Highways Shut

On Saturday, Kalimpong district experienced intense rainfall that triggered multiple landslides across the region. While the rains have now subsided, the damage caused to infrastructure continues to impact normal life.

According to Kalimpong Superintendent of Police Shrihari Pandey, National Highway 10 (NH10) a key road linking West Bengal to Sikkim has been closed due to landslides. Another route, NH717A, was also affected near the Reshi border, bringing traffic to a standstill.

Water levels breached several sections of NH10 at Ravijhora and 29th Mile, but officials have confirmed there have been no casualties or major damage to property in Kalimpong. The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is working with the local administration to clear debris and restore road access.

Disaster management teams and Civil Defence Volunteers remain on high alert, but officials have stated there is no need for evacuation or the setup of temporary shelters at this time.

Six Killed in Darjeeling Landslides

While Kalimpong escaped major casualties, the situation in Darjeeling district turned tragic. At least six people lost their lives in a landslide in Mirik, officials confirmed. The Dudhia Iron Bridge, a crucial link between Mirik and Kurseong, collapsed following overnight rainfall, cutting off several local communities.

Additional landslides were reported near Hussain Khola and along NH110 close to Kurseong, worsening the already fragile road connectivity in the hill district.

Bridge Collapse and Highway Blockade Isolate Sikkim

The impact of the rainfall has extended beyond West Bengal. A landslide on NH717E, between Pedong and Rishikhola, has blocked another vital route to Sikkim, disrupting traffic and isolating several border communities.

In another major incident, the collapse of the Balason River bridge at Dudhia has suspended all vehicle movement between Siliguri and Mirik. Police teams from the Garidhura outpost are monitoring the riverbanks, as water levels remain dangerously high.

BJP MP Raju Bista expressed deep concern over the destruction caused by the rains. Taking to social media, he said,

“I am extremely anguished to learn about the massive damages caused due to extremely heavy rainfall in many parts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. There have been deaths, and loss of properties, and damages to the infrastructure.”

He added that BJP workers have been mobilised to assist in relief efforts, and that he is in regular contact with authorities.

The Darjeeling District Police, along with disaster response teams, are continuing relief and rescue operations despite difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.

Heavy Rain Forecast Continues

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar districts. A red alert is in place for Alipurduar, and yellow alerts have been issued for North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, and Malda.

The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall (7–20 cm) in isolated areas till October 6, caused by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal. Residents have been advised to stay away from water bodies, avoid taking shelter under trees or electric poles, and remain cautious in landslide-prone areas.

(With Inputs from ANI)