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Key Points

President Murmu has expressed deep distress over the tragic loss of lives in Darjeeling's bridge mishap. Heavy rainfall triggered landslides that blocked multiple roads and caused a bridge collapse. Rescue teams are working to recover victims and evacuate stranded tourists from the area. The situation remains critical with ongoing relief operations across affected districts.

Key Points: President Murmu Mourns Darjeeling Bridge Mishap Deaths

  • Seven bodies recovered from debris with two more people still missing after landslides
  • Heavy rainfall triggered landslides blocking multiple roads including Kurseong-Darjeeling route
  • NDRF team dispatched to assist in rescue operations and tourist evacuations
  • Dudhia iron bridge collapse restricts vehicle movement on Siliguri-Darjeeling highway
2 min read

President Murmu mourns loss of lives in Darjeeling bridge mishap

President Droupadi Murmu expresses grief over Darjeeling bridge collapse and landslides that killed 7, with rescue operations ongoing amid heavy rainfall.

"The tragic loss of lives due to heavy rain and landslides in Darjeeling, West Bengal, is distressing - President Droupadi Murmu"

New Delhi, October 5

President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the loss of lives in a bridge mishap in Darjeeling, West Bengal, on Sunday, caused by heavy rain and landslides.

She offered condolences to the bereaved families, wished a speedy recovery to the injured, and prayed for the success of ongoing rescue and relief operations.

https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1974750785788641532

In a post on X, President Murmu wrote, "The tragic loss of lives due to heavy rain and landslides in Darjeeling, West Bengal, is distressing. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue and relief operations and wish a speedy recovery to those injured."

Heavy rainfall in North Bengal has triggered landslides and severe waterlogging, leading to extensive damage, road blockages, and loss of lives in several districts, including Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri.

According to Abhishek Roy, Additional SP Kurseong, seven bodies have been recovered from the debris, with two more people still missing.

The landslide occurred at Dilaram on the Kurseong road, blocking the route to Darjeeling. Other roads, including Rohini Road, have also been affected, while Tindharia Road remains operational.

Speaking on the situation, Abhishek Roy, Additional SP, Kurseong, Darjeeling district police, said, "7 dead bodies have already been recovered from the debris. We have information about two more people. Work is being done to recover their bodies too. A landslide occurred at Dilaram on the Kurseong road, which leads to Darjeeling. That road is blocked... Rohini Road is also blocked due to a landslide at Gourishankar... The condition of Pankhabari Road is extremely poor... Tindharia road is functioning right now. We are trying to evacuate all the tourists in Mirik in three to four hours through Tindharia..."

The police and local authorities are working to evacuate tourists from Mirik through Tindharia Road within the next three to four hours. A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been dispatched to assist in rescue operations.

Movement of vehicles has been restricted on the Siliguri-Darjeeling SH-12 road after a portion of the Dudhia iron bridge collapsed due to incessant rainfall in the region.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Respect to President Murmu for her prompt response. The bridge collapse and landslides show how vulnerable our hill stations are to climate change. Need better infrastructure and early warning systems in these areas.
S
Sarah B
Having visited Darjeeling last year, I can imagine how terrifying this must be for tourists stranded there. Hope the evacuation through Tindharia road goes smoothly. The NDRF teams are doing heroic work in these conditions.
A
Arjun K
While the President's condolences are appreciated, we need more than just words. The same areas face landslides every monsoon. Where is the long-term planning and infrastructure development? This is preventable with proper measures.
M
Meera T
My cousin was traveling in that area last week, thank God she returned safely. This shows how unpredictable nature can be. Deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. 🙏
D
David E
The rapid response from authorities is commendable. Evacuating tourists within 3-4 hours shows good coordination. Hope they find the missing people soon. Nature's fury is truly humbling.

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