Eighteen Dead in Darjeeling Landslides as Rains Cut Off Sikkim

Siliguri, Sikkim, October 5, 2025: At least seventeen people have been killed in Darjeeling district, West Bengal, after incessant overnight rains triggered massive landslides and flash floods, cutting off road connectivity to Sikkim and submerging parts of North Bengal.

The fatalities were reported from multiple locations across the district, with two victims yet to be identified. Torrential rains caused the collapse of the Bijanbari–Pull Bazar bridge, a key route linking Siliguri Main Road to Chungtong and Merrybong. Several bridges in the Dooars region were also swept away, crippling National Highway 17 and isolating numerous hill communities.

Landslides struck Mirik, Sukhia Pokhari, and neighbouring hill settlements, prompting urgent rescue efforts by police, disaster response teams, and local authorities. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to visit Darjeeling on October 6 to assess the damage and meet affected families.

Father Samuel Lepcha, Director of Anugyalaya Darjeeling Diocese Social Service Society, said the organisation has deployed relief teams to monitor the situation. “While some Church properties have sustained damage, thankfully no lives or homes have been affected,” he told Matters India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the tragedy, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Deeply pained by the loss of lives in Darjeeling. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected.”

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista described the situation as “devastating,” citing extensive loss of life, property, and infrastructure. “I am taking stock of the situation and in constant touch with relevant authorities,” he said.

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has ordered the closure of all tourist attractions, including Tiger Hill and Rock Garden, and suspended the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train services. With the post-Durga Puja tourist rush, many visitors remain stranded in the hills.

To assist affected residents, Bengal Police have activated an emergency helpline: 9147889078.

Meanwhile, heavy rainfall has lashed Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, and Cooch Behar, causing severe flooding and waterlogging. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for North Bengal and Sikkim, warning of continued heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds until October 7. Officials have cautioned that the risk of further flash floods remains high.

Images from the region show swollen rivers, broken bridges, and washed-out mountain roads. The same weather system has caused widespread damage in neighbouring Nepal, where at least twenty-two people have died in the past 36 hours.

As Darjeeling and its surrounding regions grapple with this unfolding disaster, the resilience of the mountain communities and the speed of government response will be key to recovery and relief efforts.

Source : Matters India

Download Catholic Connect App for Daily News Updates: 

Android: Click here to download

iOS: Click here to download