Over the weekend, landslides and flash floods caused by the unrelenting rainstorm in North Bengal left scores missing and 28 people dead.
The town of Mirik and the neighboring villages were cut off after a crucial bridge collapsed, causing the hill station to suffer the most.In Mirik, which is well known for its vistas of Sumendu Lake and Kanchenjunga, 13 dead were found, but by Sunday night, 10 more, including Kolkata visitor Himadri Purkayet, were still missing.
As rescue crews arrive in isolated upper hill regions, officials cautioned that the death toll may increase.
"Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to a bridge mishap in Darjeeling," Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on social media.
Following landslides and intense rain, the situation is being constantly watched. We're determined to help in every way we can.
Important infrastructure was devastated by the deluge. Thanaline and portions of Bijanbari were cut off when an iron bridge over the Balasan river at Dudhia, the sole direct road between Siliguri and Mirik, collapsed and another bridge at Pulbazar sustained significant damage.
NH10, the lifeline of Sikkim, was closed at Chitrey, while Rohini Road, which connected Darjeeling to the lowlands, collapsed. Operations of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway were halted indefinitely.
The post Durga Puja holidays became a frantic struggle for survival due to flash floods.
Hundreds of visitors were left stranded in resort areas and wildlife areas in Dooars, Kalimpong, and Darjeeling.
After four hours of walking, Priya Banerjee, a resident of Kolkata, stated, "We had to form a human chain because the water currents were so strong."
Others were transported on elephant backs or waded through waist-deep water.
Senjuti Ghosh of Kolkata said, "We were stuck all day until forest officials brought elephants used for safaris to take us through flooded rivers to safer ground."
Travel difficulties also left tourists detained at Bagdogra airport and New Jalpaiguri station.
Praween Prakash, the Darjeeling SP, suggested, "Check advisories before venturing out."
