Overview

• A well‑marked low‑pressure system unleashed overnight downpours that triggered multiple landslides across Darjeeling and Kalimpong, sweeping away homes and cutting access to hill settlements.
• Key infrastructure has failed, including the iron bridge at Dudhia between Siliguri and Mirik and another near Teesta Bazaar, while NH‑10 and NH‑717A remain blocked by slides.
• Casualty counts vary across agencies, with NDRF and district reports confirming nine deaths and two missing, other tallies reporting at least 14 fatalities, and a minister citing an unconfirmed figure of 17.
• The NDRF, state disaster teams, police and volunteers are conducting search, evacuation and relief operations under difficult conditions, with temporary shelters opened and tourists advised to stay put as major attractions are closed.
• The IMD has issued red alerts for sub‑Himalayan West Bengal with heavy to very heavy rain forecast, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered condolences and pledged assistance.