The situation in Darjeeling and Kalimpong continues to remain grim as the death toll from the massive landslides triggered by heavy rainfall has risen to 23. Officials confirmed on Sunday evening that 18 of the victims are from India, while five citizens of Nepal lost their lives near the Indo-Nepal border in Maneybhanjyang.
Continuous rainfall over the past few days has caused large-scale damage across the hilly districts, washing away homes, roads, and bridges. The landslides, which began late Friday night, have flattened several houses in areas such as Mirik, Dhar Gaon, Jasbirgaon, and Sarsaly. Many remote hamlets remain cut off as roads have been blocked by mud and debris.
Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and the district administration are working around the clock to trace the missing persons and provide relief to the affected families. However, officials said the ongoing rain and slippery terrain are making rescue operations extremely difficult. 
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista expressed deep sorrow over the rising number of deaths. “I am extremely anguished to learn about the massive damages caused by the heavy rainfall in many parts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. There have been deaths, loss of property, and damage to infrastructure. We have instructed our BJP karyakartas to help people in every possible way,” he said.
Bista also said that he has spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and informed him about the ground situation. “Three NDRF teams have already been deployed in Mirik, Alipurduar, and Nagrakata, and more teams are being sent to the hills. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are closely monitoring the situation and have assured all help,” he added.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the state government is taking all necessary steps to support the victims. “There was sudden rainfall exceeding 300 mm in 12 hours in North Bengal. This, along with heavy water flow from Bhutan and Sikkim, caused severe flooding and landslides,” she said while expressing condolences to the families of the deceased.
In the Terai and plains, including Siliguri, Matigara, Naxalbari, and Phansidewa, heavy rain has caused serious waterlogging and disrupted traffic. Some areas in Khoribari and Naxalbari are facing flood-like situations, adding to the hardship of local residents.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have both expressed grief over the tragedy. “The loss of lives due to heavy rains and landslides in Darjeeling is distressing. I offer my condolences to the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” the President said. The Prime Minister posted on X, saying he was deeply pained by the deaths and assured all possible assistance from the central government.
Temporary relief camps have been set up in several areas, including Mirik’s Ward No. 3 and Bishnulal Gaon, with local NGOs providing food, blankets, and medical help. Community members have also joined rescue efforts, helping to dig through debris and reach stranded families.
Even with so much damage, many people have shown great courage and helped each other. Locals in Mirik’s Pahila Gaon successfully rescued a trapped resident after hours of digging through debris. “This rescue speaks volumes about the solidarity and resilience of our people,” said Raju Bista.
