Siliguri/New Delhi, Oct 5 (UNI) At least 15 people were reportedly killed and many gone missing as torrential rains caused severe landslides and battered the entire belt of this eastern Himalayan range of Darjeeling snapping the link between Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong with the rest of the country following blockade of arterial link NH 10.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed ”deep pain” at the loss of lives and said the situation was being closely monitored. He said the government is committed to providing all possible assistance to to those affected.
”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 Prime Minister tweeted.
Although no official figures were immediately available on the number of casualties, unconfirmed reports said at least 15 people were killed since last night.
A report quoting Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) chief executive Anit Thapa said about 15 people have been killed. He warned people not to venture out and said the administration has been on the job for rescue and evacuation of the affected people.
Sources said at least nine people were killed in Mirik and 4 in upper Sukhiapokhri in Darjeeling hills.
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista expressed concern over the widespread damage caused by heavy rains. “There have been deaths, loss of properties, and damage to the infrastructure. I am taking stock of the situation and in touch with the relevant authorities,” he said
National Highway 10 was completely closed due to landslides in different places after continuous rainfall and in 29th Mile Tista River was in spate washing off the surface of the highway linking the hills with Siliguri.
The iron bridge between Mirik and Dhudiya collapsed snapping any link between Mirik and Siliguri. Continuous rain badly affected the Dooars of Jalpaiguri district in the plains as water level swelled running over danger marks.
The rivers of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar were also flowing over danger marks in many low lying points.
According to police, landslides have occurred at several places along the highway from Chitre to Seti Jhoda, disrupting road traffic. Landslides have blocked the main road between Darjeeling and Siliguri at Dilaram, and at Whitsel Khola in Kurseong, while the Rohini road is also severely damaged.
The bridge at Dudhey is extensively damage and is closed to the public, exacerbating isolation in surrounding communities. Similarly, the Pulbazar bridge is severely compromised, rendering transportation impossible and cutting off Thanaline and other parts of Bijanbari.
Rescue operations are underway, but persistent downpours hinder efforts. Local officials report rising water levels in rivers like the Teesta, echoing past disasters. Tourists and locals have been advised to stay indoors as the region braces for more rain.
