New Delhi/Darjeeling

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives following a bridge mishap and landslides in Darjeeling, West Bengal, caused by incessant heavy rainfall in the region.

In a post on X, President Murmu said, “The tragic loss of lives due to heavy rain and landslides in Darjeeling, West Bengal, is distressing. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue and relief operations and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.” She also extended prayers for those engaged in ongoing rescue and relief work.

Prime Minister Modi, too, conveyed his condolences and assured that the Centre is committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected. “Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to a bridge mishap in Darjeeling. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” the Prime Minister posted on X. He added that the situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of the heavy rains and landslides.

Heavy rainfall across North Bengal has triggered multiple landslides and severe waterlogging, leading to extensive damage, blocked roads, and casualties in several districts, including Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri.

According to Abhishek Roy, Additional SP, Kurseong, seven bodies have been recovered from the debris so far, while two more people remain missing. “A landslide occurred at Dilaram on the Kurseong road, which leads to Darjeeling. That road is blocked. Rohini Road is also blocked due to a landslide at Gourishankar. The condition of Pankhabari Road is extremely poor, while Tindharia Road is functioning right now. We are trying to evacuate all the tourists in Mirik in three to four hours through Tindharia,” Roy said.

Authorities have dispatched a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assist in ongoing rescue operations. Police and local administration teams are working to evacuate stranded tourists and residents from affected areas.

Movement of vehicles has been restricted on the Siliguri-Darjeeling SH-12 after a portion of the Dudhia iron bridge collapsed due to incessant rainfall.

In Jalpaiguri district, excessive waterlogging has been reported in Porajhar and Rajganj block areas, where heavy rains have inundated homes and farmlands. Officials said a portion of the embankment along the River Mahananda collapsed suddenly, forcing several residents to evacuate their homes.

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Rescue and relief efforts are underway across the affected districts as authorities work to restore connectivity and ensure the safety of those impacted by the widespread devastation.