At least 28 people were killed in catastrophic landslides triggered by torrential rainfall in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal on October 4, 2025, with Mirik being the worst-hit area, according to media reports.
The downpour, exceeding 300 mm in 12 hours, flattened homes, severed roads, and isolated communities, while the collapse of the Dudhey iron bridge cut off the only link to Siliguri and Mirik.
National Highway 10 remains closed, and rescue operations are ongoing amid unstable terrain and continued red alerts for heavy rain. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the situation as “grave,” while Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep pain over the loss of lives, as authorities warn of further landslides due to saturated soil.
On-Ground Response and Government Aid
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has arrived in North Bengal to oversee rescue and restoration efforts, accompanied by the Chief Secretary and senior officials. The DG of Police is already on site, coordinating operations across affected zones. Community kitchens have been established, and stranded tourists are being evacuated via special NBSTC Volvo buses at state expense.
The government has announced ₹5 lakh compensation and a Special Homeguard job for a family member of each deceased. Banerjee reiterated that the disaster was exacerbated by the Centre’s failure to dredge the Ganga-Hugli and by DVC’s “unilateral” water releases, calling it a “man-made flood”
Rescue Operations and Human Toll
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities are conducting rescue operations across 35 landslide sites, with 18 fatalities confirmed in Mirik, seven in Darjeeling, and three in Jalpaiguri’s Nagrakata area. At least two people remain missing, and earthmovers are struggling to operate on slippery slopes.
Temporary relief camps have been set up, and families from vulnerable zones have been relocated. In a remarkable display of solidarity, stranded tourists have joined local rescue efforts. The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has closed all tourist spots until further notice.
Infrastructure Collapse and Regional Isolation
The collapse of the iron bridge at Dudhey and damage to the Pulbazar bridge have severed critical links, isolating villages and disrupting medical and supply chains. The Balason River bridge has also been destroyed, cutting off access to Sikkim and Bhutan.
National Highway 10 is blocked at Chitrey and Dilaram, with restoration expected to take several days due to multiple slides. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for sub-Himalayan West Bengal, warning of further landslides as soil remains saturated.
BJP Leaders Attacked During Relief Visit
BJP MP Khagen Murmu was severely injured in a stone-pelting attack while visiting flood and landslide-affected areas in Nagrakata, Jalpaiguri, on October 6, 2025. The Malda Uttar MP, along with BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh, was on a relief mission when a mob pelted stones, slippers, and sticks at their convoy, vandalising their vehicle.
Murmu sustained deep head injuries, requiring hospitalisation, while Ghosh escaped with minor wounds. The BJP has accused TMC of orchestrating the attack, calling it a “conspiracy” and “jungle raj,” while Amit Malviya alleged TMC goons targeted leaders helping flood victims. Police have launched an investigation, and the incident has intensified political tensions ahead of the upcoming state elections.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The loss of 28 lives is not just a natural tragedy but a consequence of climate change, unplanned development, and institutional neglect.
While rescue efforts are commendable, long-term solutions, like sustainable urban planning, early warning systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure, are urgently needed. The Logical Indian believes that protecting lives in ecologically fragile zones must be a national priority.
