Darjeeling Landslide Death Toll Rises to 40, Worst Since 2015; Army Deployed as Hills Remain Cut Off

Mirik worst-hit with 22 dead, 13 missing; 35 landslides reported across Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong; Toy Train suspended, highways washed away-

Darjeeling is facing its worst monsoon disaster in a decade. The death toll from continuous heavy rainfall and multiple landslides has risen to 40 with 16 people still missing, officials confirmed late Wednesday.

According to NDRF and district administration, deaths were reported from several locations -- Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik. At least 11 people have died in Mirik, the worst-affected area, and seven injured have been rescued, while seven persons died in Darjeeling subdivision and rescue operations were underway.

The scale escalated quickly. The total number of deaths reported so far is 23, spanning across Mirik, Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri, then increased to 38 as monsoon rains continued to play havoc. With the recovery of two more bodies, the toll has now risen to 40.

Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Chief Executive Anit Thapa said landslides have been reported at 35 locations across the picturesque area, known as the "Queen of the Hills". Officials described the slides as the worst since the 2015 landslide which killed nearly 40 people in Darjeeling.

Roads, Toy Train, Tourists Stranded

The landslides at 25 places in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong sub-divisions washed away portions of highways, including a bridge, cutting off the road link to the region. The Darjeeling toy train services have also been suspended and tourist spots closed.

NDTV's on-ground reel yesterday showed the Siliguri-Darjeeling NH-10 cut off with a collapsed bridge over a swollen river. Social videos from Tangga Road and Loreto Convent School area show mud, boulders and uprooted trees blocking school routes.

"Seven deaths have been reported due to a major landslide in Darjeeling subdivision triggered by heavy rainfall since last night," Darjeeling Sub-Divisional Officer Richard Lepcha said.

Rescue On

The Indian Army has deployed two medical and engineers task forces to carry out relief and rescue work in the landslide-hit hills where at least 30 people were killed and another dozen were reported missing.

GTA Executive Member Arun Sigchi has demanded the Centre declare it a national calamity, while a Geological Survey of India team is expected to visit Mirik.

Ground Voices

Hamro Party President Ajoy Edwards documented the devastation at Rangneet and Kanchan View Tea Garden in 15 photos on July 9 — showing a destroyed community hall, leaning electric poles and homes with foundations washed out. He said JCBs and relief material have been sent.

At Glenburn Tea Garden, workers shared photos of houses with foundations eroded by the slide, with families still clearing rubble in the fog.

Administration has urged tourists to postpone travel and locals to avoid night travel on hill routes.

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