KOLKATA, Oct 5: In a devastating turn of events, incessant rains triggered massive landslides across Darjeeling district, claiming at least 20 lives and leaving several areas cut off.
The worst-hit was Mirik, where 11 residents lost their lives after houses collapsed and roads caved in under the force of nature.
Officials identified the victims in Mirik as Usha Rai (72), Bijendra Rai (70), Sadhana Tamang (35), Aahan Chhetri (9), Ruhi Tamang (11), Sneha Pradhan (19), Anuj Pradhan (25), Arushi Chhetri (7), Anita Pradhan (45), Fuchung Dukpa (60), and Sumit Lepcha (32).
They were from different wards of Mirik Municipality, tea garden belts, and nearby settlements.
Beyond Mirik, several other areas in the Darjeeling Hills bore the brunt of nature’s fury. Victims included Meena Sewa, Gyanchuk Tamang, Lila Rai, Parusara Subba, Man Bahadur Pradhan, and Bimala Pradhan.
In Siyok, rescue teams recovered the bodies of two unidentified individuals, further underlining the scale of devastation.
In a particularly tragic development, five Nepali nationals visiting Maneybhanjang perished in the landslides.
The victims – Deep Basnet (46), Bhawani Basnet (44), Dipika Basnet (12), Rashmika Chhetri (10), and Manmaya Chhetri (67) – were identified after coordinated rescue operations between Nepal Police and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
Officials confirmed they were in the area when landslides struck late Saturday night.
Rescue operations are continuing, with police, disaster management forces, and local volunteers working round the clock to clear debris and search for survivors.
However, relentless rainfall continues to hamper efforts. Relief camps have been set up for displaced families, while medical teams are providing urgent care to the injured.
The state government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased.
Adding to the tragedy, North Bengal’s wildlife has also suffered due to the flooding. In Gorumara, the carcass of a rhinoceros was found floating in the swollen Jaldhaka river.
In the same region, a herd of elephants was stranded midstream while attempting to cross the river.
At Naxalbari, a baby elephant drowned in the Mechi river after being swept away from its herd. Forest officials reported that around 30 elephants were crossing when the calf was lost to the surging current.
Videos that went viral today showed another rhino from Jaldapara National Park struggling against the fierce current of the Torsa river.
The footage, reportedly taken from the Shil Torsa bridge on National Highway 27, has sparked alarm, though its authenticity has not yet been verified by UNI.
The deluge has not spared infrastructure either. Mirik and Sukhiapokhri remain in a dire state, while rivers across North Bengal – including Teesta, Torsa, Mahananda, and Jaldhaka – have risen to dangerous levels.
Flooding has spread to parts of the Dooars and Terai, with water entering forest areas and threatening both human settlements and wildlife.
Authorities have urged residents in landslide-prone zones to remain vigilant, warning that the situation could deteriorate further if heavy rains persist in the coming days.
(UNI)
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