6 Dead As Landslides, Bridge Collapse Cut Off Darjeeling Amid Heavy Rain Alert

At least six people have died in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district after relentless heavy rainfall triggered a massive landslide in Mirik and caused a critical bridge to collapse, cutting off key transport links. The Dudia Iron Bridge, which connects the popular tourist towns of Mirik and Kurseong, has collapsed, while another major landslide at Hussain Khola has blocked National Highway 110.The tragic incidents occurred as the region remains under a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The weather office had predicted extremely heavy rainfall for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and other parts of sub-Himalayan West Bengal until at least Sunday morning, driven by a well-marked low-pressure system over the region. Visuals from the area show roads buried under thick mud and debris, bringing life to a standstill.The impact of the incessant downpour has extended to neighboring districts.

In Jalpaiguri, large areas of Malbazar have been submerged as hill rivers like the Teesta and Mal are flowing well above their danger marks, creating a severe flood-like situation. The IMD has forecast that the heavy rainfall is likely to continue in the region until Monday morning before the weather system gradually weakens.While the sub-Himalayan region faces the brunt of the weather, south Bengal has also experienced moderate to heavy rainfall.

The Met office reported that Bankura received the highest rainfall in the past 24 hours, and heavy showers are predicted for Murshidabad, Birbhum, and Nadia districts until Monday morning. Authorities are on high alert as they conduct rescue and relief operations in the affected areas.