Severe rainfall over the weekend has wreaked havoc across North Bengal and Sikkim, triggering landslides, bridge collapses, and flash floods that have left at least fourteen people dead and many areas cut off.
According to reports, six people have died in Darjeeling district after a major landslide struck Mirik. The collapse of the Dudhia Iron Bridge, which connects Mirik and Kurseong, has severed a vital transport link, leaving hundreds of residents stranded. Additional landslides have been reported at Hussain Khola along National Highway 110 near Kurseong, further disrupting vehicular movement.
In Kalimpong district, continuous rainfall has caused widespread damage to homes, roads, and communication lines. A landslide along National Highway 717E — the alternate route connecting Siliguri and Sikkim — between Pedong and Rishikhola has brought traffic to a complete halt.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Nepal’s Koshi Province, at least eight people were killed in landslides triggered by heavy rains on Saturday night, according to PTI reports.
The collapse of the iron bridge over the Balason River at Dudhia, connecting Siliguri and Mirik, has compounded the crisis, cutting off access between key hill towns. Authorities have suspended all movement on the Siliguri–Darjeeling SH-12 route as water levels in the Balason continue to rise.
BJP MP Raju Bista expressed grief over the devastation, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that he is in touch with authorities and has directed party workers to assist in relief operations.
Rescue teams from the Darjeeling District Police, supported by local volunteers, continue to battle harsh terrain and poor weather to reach isolated areas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar, and a red alert for Alipurduar, warning of continued heavy rainfall and the likelihood of further landslides.
Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors, avoid taking shelter under trees or power lines, and stay away from rivers and waterlogged zones.
Continuous rainfall has also hampered rescue operations, with several key highways blocked by debris. Locals have been advised to stock up on essentials and monitor weather updates closely.
The heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers — including the Mahananda, Jaldhaka, and Teesta — have forced wildlife from nearby forests into human settlements. According to administrative sources, a herd of elephants is trapped in the Kamarghat area after the Jaldhaka river overflowed, while a rhinoceros wandered into Kalibari, alarming local residents.
In Kashiar Bari, locals rescued a bison calf stranded by floodwaters, and several deer have been spotted inside villages in Kurseong. Forest department officials warn that many wild animals may have been swept from forest areas into rivers or nearby settlements. Teams have been deployed across affected zones to guide animals back to safer habitats and prevent harm to both people and wildlife.
“These operations are ongoing, and we are working continuously to ensure the safety of both animals and local communities,” said a forest department official in North Bengal.
Travellers are strongly advised not to undertake non-essential journeys to or through North Bengal and Sikkim until weather conditions improve. Major routes — including NH-110 (Siliguri–Darjeeling) and NH-717E (Siliguri–Sikkim) — are unsafe due to active landslides and blocked sections.
Those planning visits to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Gangtok, or Mirik should postpone travel until further notice and follow updates from the West Bengal Disaster Management Authority and Sikkim Tourism Department.
Air connectivity to Bagdogra Airport remains open, but onward road travel to hill stations is restricted. Tour operators are advised to reschedule trips and ensure coordination with local authorities before confirming new bookings.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Sunday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the bridge collapse in Darjeeling.
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.”
President Murmu said in a post on X, “The tragic loss of lives due to heavy rain and landslides in Darjeeling, West Bengal, is distressing. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue and relief operations and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”
“Deeply anguished by the tragic loss of lives in the bridge mishap in Darjeeling following heavy rains and landslides. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” said the Vice President in a post on X.
1. Which areas in North Bengal are most affected by the heavy rains?
Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Siliguri have reported the worst damage, with multiple landslides, bridge collapses, and blocked roads.
2. How is the wildlife situation being managed?
The forest department has deployed rescue teams across flood-hit zones to relocate displaced animals like elephants, deer, and rhinos to safer areas.
3. Is travel to Darjeeling or Sikkim currently safe?
No. Authorities have advised against non-essential travel to the region until weather and road conditions improve.
4. Which bridges and highways have been impacted?
The Dudhia Iron Bridge and the Balason River bridge at Dudhia have collapsed, while portions of NH-110 and NH-717E remain blocked.
5. When is the rain expected to ease?
The IMD predicts heavy rainfall until October 7, with a gradual decrease thereafter.