Darjeeling landslides kill 20, rescue ops hampered by blocked highways
Heavy rain in Darjeeling on October 5, 2025, triggered major landslides that have killed at least 20 people and injured several more.
Over 300mm of rain fell in just half a day, leading to widespread destruction across Mirik and Sukhia Pokhari.
The IMD had issued a red alert for the region before the downpour.
NDRF teams rescue over 40 people
The landslides have blocked key highways (NH 10 and NH 55) and collapsed the Dudia Iron Bridge, cutting off villages and making rescue efforts tough.
Power cuts and broken phone lines are slowing things down even more. Still, NDRF teams managed to rescue over 40 people so far—one official shared that they have rescued more than 40 people from different landslide-affected areas of Mirik.
With tourist season in full swing, hundreds are stuck in hotels while iconic spots like Tiger Hill shut down.
The incessant downpour has also affected tea gardens, with plantation areas reporting flooding and erosion.