Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a tragic bridge collapse in Darjeeling, West Bengal.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “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.”
He added that the situation in Darjeeling and adjoining areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides. “We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected,” he said.
In another post, the Prime Minister reiterated, “Authorities are closely monitoring the situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas affected by heavy rainfall and landslides. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Wishing the injured a quick recovery.”
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed anguish over the tragedy. In a post on X, she 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.”
Vice President Radhakrishnan, in his message, said, “Deeply anguished by the tragic loss of lives in the bridge mishap in Darjeeling following heavy rains and landslides. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Heavy rainfall in the region since Saturday night has triggered landslides and flash floods, causing widespread damage, road blockages, and multiple fatalities across Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and adjoining hill districts.
According to officials, at least 13 people have lost their lives, including nine in Mirik when an iron bridge collapsed and four in separate landslides in the Sukhia area. Several others are reported missing.
Abhishek Roy, Additional SP, Kurseong, said rescue efforts are underway. “Seven bodies have already been recovered from the debris. We have information about two more people. Work is being done to recover their bodies,” he said. He added that the Dilaram–Kurseong road, leading to Darjeeling, is blocked, while Rohini Road is also affected due to a landslide at Gourishankar. Only Tindharia Road remains functional, through which tourists in Mirik are being evacuated within the next few hours.
A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed to assist in rescue and relief operations. Movement of vehicles on the Siliguri-Darjeeling SH-12 has been halted after a portion of the Dudhia iron bridge collapsed due to the torrential rain.
In Jalpaiguri district, heavy waterlogging has inundated several areas, including Porajhar in Rajganj block, where rising water levels of the Mahananda River breached an embankment, flooding homes and farmlands.
Officials said that connectivity with Sikkim and Kalimpong has been completely cut off as the Teesta River overflowed, washing away portions of NH-10. Communication with Darjeeling town has also been disrupted.
Authorities have closed all tourist spots in the region and advised tourists stranded in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and surrounding areas to remain in their hotels until further notice.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of very heavy rain in North Bengal for the next two days, cautioning that conditions could worsen and hamper ongoing rescue operations.
(With agency inputs)