Bridge collapse in heavy rain kills 7, landslides cut off roads

Not less than seven people have been killed in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district after a landslide struck Mirik late Saturday. The Dudia Iron Bridge, which connects the district towns and tourist hotspots of Mirik and Kurseong, collapsed during the incident.

Heavy rain has also led to a landslide in Hussain Khola, which lies along National Highway 110 near Kurseong, cutting off the link between Siliguri and Darjeeling.

“Due to the incessant heavy rainfall in North Bengal, the hilly regions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong have been severely affected, with communication and transport links to the plains of Siliguri, Terai, and Dooars almost completely disrupted due to landslides and flooding,” West Bengal’s Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari wrote on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to those affected and assured help and assistance from the Centre.

Modi, in a tweet on his X handle, Sunday 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. The situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected.”

The landslides have buried roads under mud, from villages to national highways.