How Many Lives Were Lost in the North Bengal Landslides?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The death toll from the landslides has reached **23**.
- A **rapid action cell** has been established to assist those affected.
- Governor **C.V. Ananda Bose** has expressed condolences to the victims' families.
- **Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee** is set to visit North Bengal to assess the situation.
- Rescue operations are ongoing, and the actual number of casualties may rise.
Kolkata, Oct 6 (NationPress) The tragic toll from the catastrophic landslides caused by relentless rain in North Bengal has climbed to 23, as per officials on Monday.
Given the alarming circumstances in the hills, Terai, and Dooars regions, a rapid action cell has been established within the Governor’s House to promptly respond to the distress signals from residents and tourists trapped in the affected areas.
While the count of 23 fatalities reported till Monday morning is based on the latest data from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local administrations in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri, officials fear the true number may be higher, as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
The Raj Bhavan has announced the appointment of a dedicated officer-in-special duty to manage the rapid action cell, equipped with a helpline number and email ID, allowing affected individuals and tourists to reach out directly.
Additionally, sources revealed that the previous peace room at the Raj Bhavan has been reactivated to serve as a temporary shelter for those rescued and brought to Kolkata.
Governor C.V. Ananda Bose extended his condolences to the victims’ families and urged everyone to remain calm and cooperate with the administration during the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to visit North Bengal later today to assess the situation. "Several tourists are stranded in North Bengal. I have advised them to stay put for now, and the administration is working tirelessly to assist them out of the flood and landslide-affected areas. We will ensure that hotels and lodges do not impose extra lodging charges during this crisis,” the Chief Minister stated.
Abhishek Banerjee, general secretary of the Trinamool Congress and a Lok Sabha member, has instructed party volunteers to reach out and provide compassionate assistance to those affected.