At least 20 people are feared dead while several others were injured at Darjeeling in West Bengal after an unprecedented rainfall since Saturday late night triggered a massive landslide and flash flood, destroying properties and connectivity across the hills and northern districts of the state and snapping its links with Sikkim.
Among the 20 deaths, nine alone were reported from Mirik, seven from Sukhiapokhri, one from Bijanbari and three others from other parts of Darjeeling so far, according to the estimates of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration that is in charge of the hills. The list includes three children also. Bodies of some of the victims were recovered on Sunday.
Udyan Guha, North Bengal Development Minister, confirming the deaths said, “At least 20 deaths have been reported and the situation is alarming in Darjeeling area.”
Many tourists are also reportedly stuck on Darjeeling road due to landslides and NDRF and police teams are trying to evacuate stranded people.
( With inputs from PTI)
