Severe rainfall in India’s Darjeeling region has triggered massive floods and landslides, leaving at least 24 people dead, with officials warning that the toll could rise as rescuers struggle to reach isolated villages.
Residents were seen braving raging floodwaters, crossing rivers with only a rope for support, as what used to be key roads were reduced to rubble. One of Darjeeling’s iconic iron bridges collapsed on October 5 after being struck by the powerful floodwaters — its central pillars tilted and bent into a V-shape.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and working to rebuild. “We are investigating how many homes were destroyed and will begin full restoration. Two major roads are already under repair. All the bridges have been damaged, but we will rebuild as quickly as possible,” she said.
Rescue teams have set up temporary ropeways to evacuate stranded residents, as the torrential downpour caused Darjeeling’s worst landslides in a decade. The army and disaster response units continue to search for missing persons, but ongoing rain and blocked roads have severely hampered rescue operations.
So far, at least 24 people have been confirmed dead, with many others still missing — and officials fear the number of casualties could continue to rise.
