 Summary of this article
- 28 dead, dozens missing as 300mm overnight rain triggers devastating Darjeeling landslides
- Dudhia iron bridge collapse cuts off Mirik; National Highway 10 blocked, Sikkim isolated.
- Nearly 100 landslides reported; tourist spots closed, rescue operations ongoing.
- Bhutan's Tala Dam overflow adds flood risk; CM Banerjee to visit affected areas on October 6
Catastrophic Rainfall Triggers Widespread Destruction
West Bengal floods have claimed at least 28 lives, with dozens still missing, after torrential overnight rainfall triggered devastating landslides across Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and surrounding hill districts on October 4-5, 2025. Torrential rain in Darjeeling recorded 261mm in 24 hours from Saturday morning, classified as extremely heavy rainfall by the India Meteorological Department.
The weather in West Bengal shows 300mm of rainfall in just 12 hours on Saturday night, causing unprecedented flooding across the North Bengal plains and hills. Other severely affected areas recorded Cooch Behar 192mm, Jalpaiguri 172mm, and Gajoldoba 300mm during the same period.
Darjeeling District Devastation
Darjeeling floods have caused the most severe damage, with 13 bodies recovered from Mirik alone and tourist Himadri Purkayet from Kolkata among the missing. Heavy rain in Darjeeling triggered nearly 100 landslides, including 35 major ones, completely disrupting transportation and isolating communities.
Darjeeling landslide incidents occurred across multiple locations:
- Mirik: 13 confirmed deaths, 10 missing, including tourists
- Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti: Multiple fatalities reported
- Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagrakata: Additional casualties confirmed
- Sukhiapokhri, Jorebunglow, Maneybhanjang: Extensive damage reported
What Causes Floods? Exploring Prevention, Preparedness, and Response
BY Anjali Rawat (Avi) |
