Darjeeling: The death toll from the recent landslides in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district climbed to 24 on Monday, with search and rescue operations still underway as several people remain unaccounted for. Continuous rainfall and damaged access routes are making recovery efforts increasingly difficult, officials said.
Rescue teams, including disaster response personnel and local authorities, have been working through tough weather and treacherous terrain to locate those still missing. Thousands of tourists remain stranded across the region as landslides have cut off major roads leading to hill towns.
North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha confirmed the latest casualty, saying another body was found late Sunday night, pushing the toll to 24. “The situation is still very grim. We fear the number may rise further, as some people are still missing. Ongoing rain is affecting rescue work badly,” he said.
Landslides, triggered by relentless rainfall over the past several days, have swept away homes, blocked highways, and caused large-scale disruption across the district. Several families have been displaced, with emergency shelters being set up for those affected.
Officials are continuing to monitor the region closely, while efforts are being made to restore road connectivity and provide relief to stranded tourists and locals. The state government has urged residents to remain cautious and avoid travel to the affected areas until conditions improve.
