Darjeeling Landslide Toll Rises to 40, Mirik Worst Hit; Army Deployed as Hills Cut Off

Heavy monsoon rain has triggered one of the worst landslides in a decade in the Darjeeling hills, killing at least 40 people and leaving 16 missing.

According to NDRF and district administration, deaths were reported from Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon and Mirik. Mirik is the worst-affected area with at least 11 people dead and seven injured rescued, while Darjeeling subdivision alone reported seven deaths.

The toll has been rising hour by hour. The initial NDRF bulletin put the total at 23 deaths spanning Mirik, Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri. By July 2, the toll increased to 38 as rains continued. The latest update confirms the toll has risen to 40 with the recovery of two more bodies, even as 16 people are still missing.

GTA Chief Executive Anit Thapa said landslides have been reported at 35 locations across the Queen of the Hills. Officials described it as the worst since the 2015 landslide which killed nearly 40 people.

Road links are snapped. Landslides at 25 places in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong washed away portions of highways, including a bridge, cutting off the road link to the region. In Mirik alone, 22 deaths occurred where 13 were also reported missing. The Darjeeling Toy Train services have also been suspended and tourist spots closed.

The Indian Army has deployed two medical and engineers task forces for relief and rescue. “Seven deaths have been reported due to a major landslide in Darjeeling subdivision triggered by heavy rainfall since last night,” said Darjeeling SDO Richard Lepcha.

Ground visuals:

Yesterday evening, Hamro Party president Ajoy Edwards reached Rangneet and Kanchan View Tea Garden and posted 15 photos of collapsed houses, tilted electric poles and a community hall buried under mud. His team has sent JCBs and tarpaulins to the spot.

Photo: Rangneet, near Kanchenjunga View Tea Garden — Ajoy Edwards ground report yesterday

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