Darjeeling Landslide: Dudhia Bridge Collapses, Sikkim Cut Off As Heavy Rains Leave 18 Dead | Key Updates

Heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides across Darjeeling on Saturday, leaving at least 18 people dead and several others missing. The downpour swept away homes, damaged roads, and cut off remote

hamlets in the northern part of West Bengal, officials said.Rescue operations are underway with teams from the police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed in affected areas. The collapse of a portion of the Dudhia iron bridge on the Siliguri–Darjeeling SH-12 road has restricted vehicle movement, further hampering connectivity.The landslide at Dilaram blocked the Kurseong road, the main route to Darjeeling, while Rohini Road has also been impacted. Authorities said Tindharia Road remains open and is being used to evacuate stranded tourists from Mirik.

Dudhia iron bridge collapse cuts off Sikkim

The disaster has cut off communication lines to neighbouring Sikkim after the collapse of the iron bridge near Teesta Bazaar in Kalimpong and a surge in the water level of the Teesta river.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed deep concern over the heavy rainfall and landslides in Darjeeling, offering condolences to families who lost loved ones and wishing those injured a speedy recovery, while assuring that authorities are closely monitoring the situation.In a post on X, the PM said, "Authorities are closely monitoring the situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas affected by heavy rainfall and landslides. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Wishing the injured a quick recovery."

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Mamata Banerjee to assess situation

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced compensation for the victims without specifying the amount and said she would visit north Bengal on October 6 to assess the situation in the region, where a large number of tourists have also been affected.The West Bengal government has placed the district administration on high alert and instructed all departments to maintain coordination with central agencies for effective disaster response.The Meteorological Office has forecast heavy rain in North Bengal for the next two days, which is likely to worsen the situation and cause inconvenience to the rescue operations.(With PTI inputs)