Heavy rains in Darjeeling, India, and neighbouring Nepal have caused severe floods and landslides, killing more than 70 people and damaging homes, roads, and bridges. The disaster has affected remote and hilly areas, making rescue and relief work challenging. Local authorities have warned that the death toll could rise further as information comes in from isolated regions. The floods also caused major disruption to transportation and daily life.
In Nepal, the floods and landslides have killed at least 50 people, with the eastern district of Ilam, bordering India, reporting 37 deaths, according to a spokesperson for the Armed Police Force. In India’s Darjeeling district, at least 18 people lost their lives, and many others remain missing. Relief and restoration work has started, but the ongoing heavy rains are making rescue operations difficult.
Darjeeling, a popular tourist destination and tea-growing region, has been heavily affected. Several iron bridges collapsed, and many roads were washed away or blocked by floodwaters and debris. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that huge areas of land have been inundated, and the affected districts include Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar. These regions are home to many tea plantations and hilly villages.
The Balason River bridge, which connects Siliguri in the plains with Mirik in the hills, collapsed due to the heavy rains, disrupting highway traffic. Many roads have caved in, making it extremely difficult for rescuers to reach affected villages. Local disaster management officials said that large amounts of debris such as mud, rocks, and tree branches are blocking access to remote areas.
Visuals from Indian news agencies showed houses buried in mud and rocks. Residents reported that the landslides occurred while people were sleeping, with rocks and sludge rushing down the slopes. Bijay, a local resident, said, “The entire middle part of our village has been wiped out from the landslide. The land here is very fragile and there is no place to stay. All houses are buried, and people are living in relief camps.”
Tourists were urged by the state government to stay put until they could be safely evacuated. Darjeeling, known for its spectacular views of Mount Kanchenjunga, is also famous for tourism and tea cultivation. Many hotels and tourist areas have been affected, and local authorities are working to move people to safe shelters.
The regional head of the India Meteorological Department in Kolkata, H R Biswas, said that more rainfall is expected following the extremely heavy downpours over the weekend. This raises concerns about additional floods and landslides, making relief operations more urgent and challenging.
Rescue teams from local and state authorities, along with disaster management forces, have begun relief operations in both India and Nepal. However, access to many remote villages remains difficult due to collapsed bridges, blocked roads, and debris-filled paths. Helicopters and boats are being deployed in some areas to reach stranded people and provide essential supplies.
In West Bengal, authorities are setting up temporary shelters for those displaced by floods and landslides. Relief camps are providing food, water, and basic medical care to affected residents. The state government is coordinating with district officials to assess damages and arrange necessary assistance for affected families.
Authorities have also warned that the fragile soil and steep slopes in Darjeeling make the region particularly vulnerable to landslides during heavy rains. Continuous rainfall increases the risk of further slope failures and damages to roads, bridges, and buildings. Villagers in remote areas are being advised to move to safer locations until the situation stabilizes.
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In Nepal, the government and local agencies are working to evacuate people from flood-prone areas and provide immediate assistance to affected families. The death toll in Ilam district is particularly severe, with local officials reporting widespread destruction of homes and farmland. Efforts are ongoing to restore electricity, communication, and transport links that have been disrupted by floods.
The recent disaster highlights the vulnerability of hilly regions in the Himalayas to heavy rainfall and climate-related events. Experts have pointed out that deforestation, soil erosion, and unplanned construction can worsen the impact of floods and landslides. Immediate relief and long-term planning are essential to reduce risks and improve resilience in these regions.
Authorities are urging the public to stay alert, avoid travelling in affected areas, and follow instructions from local officials. The governments of India and Nepal are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating relief efforts to save lives and protect property.
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