Torrential rains have disrupted lives across North Bengal claiming at least 14 lives and leaving one missing, after heavy downpour triggered massive landslides that cut off several villages in the region, officials said on Sunday.
One of the major landslides, which struck near the Mirik-Sukhiapokhri road in the Darjeeling subdivision, swept away homes and disrupted vehicular movement, severing communication links with adjoining hamlets.
According to district officials, villages such as Bishnulal Gaon, Ward 3 Lake Side, and Jasbir Gaon were among the worst affected, and six deaths were reported from that area. Another person died in a tea estate. Several houses and tea garden quarters were reportedly damaged or buried under debris.
A senior police officer said the exact number of casualties is still being verified as heavy and continuous rainfall has hampered access to the affected areas.
Reacting to loss of fourteen lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: " Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to a bridge mishap in Darjeeling. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected."
"The terrain is slippery, and there are reports of several houses being damaged. The extent of damage is yet to be ascertained," the officer said, adding that the movement of earthmovers and emergency vehicles has become extremely difficult due to incessant rain.
Unconfirmed reports indicated that the death toll could rise to 11, as rescue personnel continue to dig through thick layers of mud and debris.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for extremely heavy rainfall over sub-Himalayan West Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, till October 6. The department has also warned of possible landslides and road blockages due to the saturated soil and steep terrain.
Heavy rain since Friday night has triggered multiple incidents of soil erosion and smaller slides across the hills, damaging sections of key roads and isolating several tea garden settlements, officials said.
District authorities have set up temporary relief camps and mobilised medical teams in coordination with local NGOs to provide food and shelter to the displaced families.
(With PTI inputs)
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