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Key Points

President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep distress over the tragic loss of lives in Darjeeling due to heavy rainfall and landslides. The disaster has claimed at least 13 lives, including nine people in a bridge collapse in Mirik. Rescue operations are underway despite severe disruptions to communication and transportation networks. With more heavy rain forecast, the situation remains challenging for both rescue efforts and stranded tourists.

Key Points: President Murmu Condoles Darjeeling Landslide Deaths Amid Heavy Rain

  • At least 13 people killed in North Bengal landslides following continuous overnight rain
  • Nine died when an iron bridge collapsed in Mirik area of Darjeeling district
  • Communication with Sikkim and Kalimpong completely cut off due to damaged roads
  • Tourists stranded across multiple destinations with all tourist points closed
  • Rescue operations face challenges as heavy rain forecast continues for two more days
3 min read

President Murmu condoles loss of lives in Darjeeling due to heavy rainfall, landslides

President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi express grief over 13 deaths in Darjeeling landslides, with rescue operations ongoing amid severe rainfall disruptions.

"The tragic loss of lives due to heavy rain and landslides in Darjeeling, West Bengal, is distressing - President Droupadi Murmu"

New Delhi, Oct 5

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday expressed sadness over the loss of lives in West Bengal's Darjeeling following heavy rainfall and landslides.

In a post on X, President Murmu said, "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."

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the widespread destruction caused by heavy rainfall in Darjeeling and said that the Centre is committed to providing all assistance to the affected.

At least 13 people have died in landslides in the North Bengal hills, following continuous overnight rain, causing widespread severe disruptions, said officials on Sunday. Among them, nine were killed when an iron bridge collapsed in Mirik in the Darjeeling district. Four people died in the Sukhia area in separate landslides.

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."

"The situation in Darjeeling and the 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," he added.

Several roads have been damaged due to landslides, and communication has been cut off. The administration has said that communication with Sikkim and Kalimpong has been completely cut off as the water level in the Teesta River rose above the danger level and washed away NH-10. Even communication with Darjeeling city has been disrupted.

At the same time, tourists are stranded in several destinations. Rescue work is underway at present.

The administration has closed all tourist points in Darjeeling. Tourists stuck in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and other areas have been told not to venture out of their hotels.

The Meteorological Office has forecast heavy rain in North Bengal for the next two days, which is likely to worsen the situation and cause inconvenience to the rescue operations.

The Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata's Alipore had earlier forecast that there would be rain in North Bengal. A warning of very heavy rain was issued in the Darjeeling district. As predicted, the rain started on Saturday night. The continuous rain till Sunday morning has caused havoc in the hill areas.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see both President and PM responding promptly. But we need to ask why these landslides keep happening in hilly areas. Infrastructure maintenance and early warning systems need improvement. Thoughts with the victims and their families.
S
Sarah B
The situation sounds terrifying with communication completely cut off. Can't imagine how scary it must be for tourists stranded there. Hope the administration can restore connectivity soon and ensure everyone's safety. 🙏
A
Arjun K
My cousin was planning a trip to Darjeeling next week. Thank God they postponed. The bridge collapse in Mirik is particularly worrying - raises questions about infrastructure safety in hilly regions. Deepest condolences to all affected families.
M
Michael C
The Met department had warned about heavy rains, but were adequate precautions taken? When NH-10 gets washed away, it shows how vulnerable our hill infrastructure is. Hope lessons are learned from this tragedy.
K
Kavya N
Heartbreaking news from Darjeeling. The tea gardens, the toy train, the beautiful hills - such a precious part of India's heritage. Hope the rescue teams can work safely despite the forecasted heavy rain. Om Shanti for those who lost their lives.

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