In pics: Landslide in Darjeeling leaves a trail of destruction
The situation has prompted high-level political concern. Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has formally requested the state government to declare the landslides a state-level disaster.
A devastating series of landslides, triggered by 12 hours of torrential rain, has ripped through the picturesque hills of Darjeeling, killing at least 28 people. The disaster, one of the worst in a decade for the region, has left a trail of destruction, stranding tourists and residents alike. (Image credit: Twitter)
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The calamity struck during the busy Durga Puja holidays, turning a festive escape into a nightmare. Hundreds remain cut off as landslides have swept away homes, severed crucial road links and flattened entire hamlets. (Image credit: Twitter)
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The worst-impacted area was Mirik, where 18 of the fatalities occurred and 11 others were injured. According to a report by Business Today, seven more deaths were reported from various locations within the Darjeeling subdivision. (Image credit: Twitter)
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Fatalities were confirmed from several areas, including Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, the Mirik Lake area and Nagrakata in the Jalpaiguri district. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and district administrations are leading the rescue operations. (Image credit: Twitter)
Rescue workers are battling perilous conditions. Rohit Chhetri, a civil defence team member working near Teesta Bazar, said his team had not gone home since the disaster began. Although, the ground is reportedly still unstable and more rain forecast, rescue efforts are going on relentlessly. (Image credit: Twitter)
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The landslides have caused severe infrastructural damage, isolating many villages. An iron bridge connecting Siliguri to the Mirik-Darjeeling route was damaged, critically hampering access for rescue and relief vehicles. The NDRF confirmed that road connectivity remains severely disrupted across Darjeeling and North Sikkim. (Image credit: Twitter)
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Temporary relief camps have reportedly been established by the district administration in coordination with non-governmental organisations. Many families from the vulnerable Mirik area have been relocated to safer locations. (Image credit: Twitter)
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The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in sub-Himalayan West Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, until October 6. It has warned of further landslides and road blockages due to saturated soil. (Image credit: Twitter)
