Key Points

In a post on X, Banerjee said relief and rescue operations are ongoing, with the State Disaster Management Department, the Darjeeling district administration, and local volunteers working tirelessly on the ground.

"It is with deep anguish that I learn of the devastation caused by incessant rainfall and landslides in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and parts of Jalpaiguri, leading to tragic loss of lives. Mirik, Jorebunglow Sukhiapokhri and Falakata have borne the heaviest brunt of this calamity. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Relief and rescue efforts are underway, with the State Disaster Management Department, the Darjeeling district administration and local volunteers working tirelessly on the ground," the TMC leader wrote.

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

The areas, including Mirik, Jorebunglow Sukhiapokhri, and Falakata, have been among the worst affected.

https://x.com/abhishekaitc/status/1974757673867649241

Banerjee appealed to TMC volunteers to extend support and assistance to those impacted by the calamity, emphasising compassion and commitment during this challenging time.

"To everyone affected, please know that you are not alone in this difficult time. I appeal to every @AITCofficial volunteer to reach out, support and assist the affected with compassion and commitment. With collective resolve and Maa Durga's blessings, we will overcome this adversity, together," Banerjee further wrote.

Earlier in the day, President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the loss of lives in a bridge mishap in Darjeeling, 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.

According to Abhishek Roy, Additional SP, Kurseong, "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..."

Meanwhile, a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed to assist in rescue operations, while the movement of vehicles has been restricted on the Siliguri-Darjeeling SH-12 road following the collapse of a portion of the Dudhia iron bridge due to incessant rainfall.

- ANI