Kolkata, Oct 5 (NationPress) A devastating landslide in northern Bengal has tragically claimed the lives of at least 20 individuals and left numerous others injured due to relentless rains on Sunday. The torrential downpours have led to severe landslides, obliterating homes, cutting off essential road links, and stranding hundreds of tourists.

As per reports from the NDRF and local authorities, fatalities have been recorded in multiple areas including Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagrakata, and around Mirik Lake.

Expressing sorrow over the loss of life, North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha informed the press, "Currently, the death toll stands at 20, and it may unfortunately rise further."

The NDRF has confirmed that Mirik has been the hardest hit, with at least 11 deaths reported and seven injured individuals successfully rescued from the area.

In the district of Darjeeling, seven lives have been lost as rescue operations continue, supported by police, local authorities, and disaster response teams, according to an NDRF announcement.

Many tourists who traveled to the Darjeeling hills to celebrate the Durga Puja holidays are now stranded.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced compensation for victims, though she did not disclose the specific amount or total casualties. She plans to visit northern Bengal on Monday to evaluate the situation.

"I am deeply concerned about the flooding in various regions of both North and South Bengal due to sudden heavy rainfall last night and excessive river flow from outside our state," stated CM Banerjee.

She added, "On Saturday night, rainfall exceeded 300 mm within just 12 hours in North Bengal, compounded by increased water flow into the Sankosh river and from rivers in Bhutan and Sikkim. This caused the disasters we are witnessing today."

CM Banerjee expressed her condolences, stating, "We are devastated to learn of the loss of our brothers and sisters due to this extreme weather event. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the families affected and assure them that we will provide immediate assistance."

Describing the damage from the landslides, she noted, "Two iron bridges have collapsed, many roads are damaged and submerged, and vast areas in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar have been flooded. Significant destruction has been reported, particularly in Mirik, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Matigara, and Alipurduar."

She has been monitoring the situation continuously from last night.

"I have conducted a virtual meeting with the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, and district magistrates and superintendents from North Bengal. This meeting also included public representatives like Gautam Deb and Anit Thapa. I will be visiting North Bengal tomorrow alongside my Chief Secretary," she stated.

Meanwhile, she advised tourists in northern Bengal to remain where they are until police can ensure their safe evacuation.

"The costs of rescue operations will be covered by us, so tourists need not worry. Some areas, like Mirik, are severely affected, but many other regions are under our close surveillance. I am actively managing the situation and ensuring that our officers and police provide assistance to all impacted individuals," she added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences regarding the fatalities and confirmed that the situation in Darjeeling and nearby areas is being closely monitored.

In a message on his X handle, PM Modi stated, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a bridge collapse in Darjeeling. My heartfelt condolences go out to those mourning their loved ones. May the injured recover swiftly. We are committed to providing all possible assistance in light of the heavy rains and landslides affecting the area."

At least 40 individuals were rescued from debris in Dhar Gaon, Nagarakata, where intense mudslides have demolished several homes.

Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, reported that he has received information indicating that the disaster has claimed 21 lives.

Several families in Mirik have been relocated to safer locations as a precaution, and temporary relief camps have been established with the help of local NGOs and the district administration.

According to the NDRF, road access remains severely impacted in Darjeeling district and North Sikkim, with an iron bridge linking Siliguri to the Mirik-Darjeeling route damaged, disrupting access to the area.

Connectivity between West Bengal and Sikkim has been completely severed as NH 10 was swept away due to rising water levels in the Teesta river, exacerbated by landslides.

Road access to Kalimpong has also been interrupted, with many roads linking Darjeeling and Siliguri damaged.

Consequently, the administration has closed all tourist attractions in Darjeeling. Tourists stranded in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and other regions have been advised not to leave their hotels.

The Meteorological Office has predicted heavy rainfall in northern Bengal for the upcoming two days, which may further complicate the situation and hamper rescue efforts.

Following the rains, several train services in North Bengal have been canceled, while many others are running late due to waterlogged tracks in various regions.

Additionally, a rhino was reported washed away in Gorumara National Park in Jalpaiguri district after the water levels in several rivers surged, causing flooding in the adjacent forests.