Heavy Rains Trigger Landslides, Kill 17 in North Bengal

Mangalore Today News Network

Darjeeling, Oct 5, 2025: Continuous overnight rain has caused severe disruptions across North Bengal, claiming at least 17 lives in landslides at Mirik and Sukhia Pokhari in Darjeeling district. Officials fear the toll may rise as rescue operations by the Darjeeling District Police are underway.

Darjeeling in north Bengal received heavy rain last night, leading to landslides in areas such as Mirik and Sukhia Pokhari. Police and local administration have started a rescue operation. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be visiting Darjeeling tomorrow.

Road connectivity between West Bengal and Sikkim has been severely affected, with landslides blocking the main Darjeeling–Siliguri route. Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, and Coochbehar have also reported heavy rainfall, leading to widespread waterlogging.

Road Disruptions
NH10 has been blocked at several locations due to landslides at Chitrey, Selfie Dara, and other points.

NH717A is being cleared of multiple landslide obstructions.

The Panbu–Kalimpong road remains open.

The Kalimpong–Darjeeling road via Teesta Bazar is closed owing to flooding near Rabijhora and stretches along the Teesta river.

Connectivity to Sikkim and Darjeeling hills via Coronation Bridge has been cut off. Police have advised commuters to use the Lava–Gorubathan stretch in Kalimpong district as an alternative route.

Weather Alerts
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued two red warnings for all six districts of Sikkim at 12:40 am and 3:40 am on October 5, forecasting moderate thunderstorms with lightning, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph. By 6:40 am, the warning was downgraded to an orange alert.

The IMD had earlier predicted heavy rains in the region from September 30, with the wet spell likely to continue until October 7. Officials have also warned of possible downstream flash floods in North Bengal due to the prevailing weather conditions in Bhutan.