KOLKATA/DARJEELING: Heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in North Bengal and Sikkim, claiming at least seventeen lives. Transportation and infrastructure system have been disrupted in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim districts that are said to be major affected.
Earlier in the morning, The Kolkatan reported about 13 people losing life due to the heavy rains.
All India Radio News reported citing officials that the toll could rise further. It said that constant heavy rain strikes Mirik, Kurseong, Rangbhang, Pul Bazaar. Heavy rainfall and landslides reported in Kalimpong Hill District and other parts of the hills.
#Darjeeling: Over 20 lost their lives due to Incessant rainfall and landslides in Gorkhaland Territorial Administration in North Bengal.
Constant heavy rain strikes Mirik, Kurseong, Rangbhang, Pul Bazaar. Heavy rainfall and landslides reported in Kalimpong Hill District and… pic.twitter.com/jUEQwqvaCr
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) October 5, 2025
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been monitoring the situation from last night on round- the- clock basis. She held virtual meetings with Chief Secretary, DG of Police, the North Bengal DMs and SPs, and the meeting has been attended also by public representatives like Gautam Deb and Anit Thapa.
The Chief Minister said in a tweet that she is in constant touch and personally going to North Bengal with the Chief Secretary tomorrow to look after the affected areas.
I am deeply worried and concerned that several areas in both North Bengal and South Bengal have been flooded due to sudden huge rains within a few hours last night as well as due to rush of excessive river waters in our State from outside.
Yesterday night there was sudden…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) October 5, 2025
In the meantime, tourists have been advised to stay put where they are till the police and NDRF team evacuates them safely. Reports said that thousands of tourists stranded in Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
Wildlife also have been affected badly.
Condition of #Rhino in North Bengal #Darjeeling pic.twitter.com/2tSxezCnFH
— Kamalika Sengupta (@KamalikaSengupt) October 5, 2025
Meanwhile, NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, Indian Army have come forward to rescue affected people.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has tweeted in suppport of North Bengal people. He said, “The situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to a bridge mishap in Darjeeling. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.
The situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 5, 2025
State HQ and the districts are having 24×7 control rooms. Please connect Nabanna Disaster Management Control Room at + 91 33 2214 3526 and +91 33 2253 5185, while the Toll-Free Numbers are + 91 86979 81070 and 1070.
Santosh Sandilya is a journalist and digital content editor for TheKolkatan.com, covering culture, people, heritage, food, and everyday city-based stories. He focuses on clear, factual reporting with a people-first approach.
Email: thekolkatan@gmail.com
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