Darjeeling: The death toll in the devastating landslides in the Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts of northern West Bengal has risen to 24. Several people are injured with many suspected to be trapped under debris.
Hundreds of tourists are also stranded as the affected areas remain cut off by road to Siliguri. A massive rescue operation has been launched by the NDRF, SDRF and other agencies. It is raining continuously in the area and this is hampering rescue, officials said.
Tourists have been asked to remain at their hotels or homestays till rescue teams get to them.
“The situation remains grim. Several people are still missing, and the toll is likely to go up. Continuous rainfall is hampering the rescue operations,” North Bengal development minister Udayan Guha told reporters.
More than 300 mm of rain over 12 hours triggered the landslides, ravaging the Darjeeling hills and the Terai region. The worst-affected areas include Mirik, Sukhiapokhri and Jorebunglow in Darjeeling, and Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri district.
The NDRF and other agencies are carrying out operations at more than 40 sites. At some places, heavy earth-moving equipment is being used to clear debris to try and locate people stuck underneath..it could take days to trace those who have been reported missing.
Efforts are also underway to restore road connectivity. This will allow tourists to leave and the flow of relief material.
Relief camps have been set up in some areas from where food, water, medicine and blankets are being distributed.
“Some areas have been totally devastated. Slopes have carved in and houses have disappeared. Roads are badly damaged. Helicopters can be pressed into service after the weather improves,” an official said.
“We are trying to move the tourists in batches to Siliguri. This will take some time,” he added.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that heavy to very heavy rainfall may continue in the region till Tuesday morning, with an alert issued for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar districts.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to visit the affected areas and take stock of rescue and relief operations on Monday.