New Delhi, Oct 5 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed deep grief over the widespread devastation caused by incessant rainfall in West Bengal’s Darjeeling, which has triggered multiple landslides and a bridge collapse, leaving at least 13 people dead and several others injured.
Nine people were killed when an iron bridge collapsed in Mirik, while four others lost their lives in separate landslides in the Sukhia area of Darjeeling district, officials said. Continuous overnight rain has caused extensive damage to infrastructure, cutting off several key routes and disrupting communication networks.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “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.” He added that the situation is being closely monitored and assured that the Centre is “committed to providing all possible assistance” to those affected.
Officials reported that several roads have been washed away or blocked by landslides, and communication with Sikkim and Kalimpong has been completely severed after rising water levels in the Teesta River swept away stretches of NH-10. Even access to Darjeeling town has been disrupted.
Rescue and relief operations are underway, though persistent rain continues to hamper efforts. Authorities have ordered the closure of all tourist points, urging stranded visitors in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and nearby hill towns to remain indoors until conditions improve.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across North Bengal for the next two days, warning that the situation may worsen further. The continuous downpour since Saturday night has caused widespread havoc, raising fears of additional landslides and flash floods in the fragile hill region.
