DARJEELING: A series of devastating landslides triggered by relentless monsoon rains has ravaged Darjeeling and its adjoining areas, with the official death toll tragically rising to 18. As rescue operations continue in treacherous conditions, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced she will visit the affected region on Wednesday to personally oversee relief efforts.
Widespread Devastation Across the Hills
The catastrophic landslides have carved a path of destruction across the Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong sub-divisions. Homes have been swept away, crucial roads buried under tons of debris, and several villages have been completely cut off. The worst-hit areas include Mirik, Kalimpong, and the peripheries of Darjeeling town, where residents were woken by the terrifying sound of mud and rock engulfing their surroundings.
Race Against Time: Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue and relief operations are in full swing, led by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Indian Army, and local police. These teams are battling continuous rainfall and unstable slopes in a desperate race against time to find survivors.
“The terrain is extremely challenging, and the persistent rain is making the slopes unstable, posing a significant risk to our rescue teams,” an NDRF official on the ground stated. “Our primary focus is to locate and rescue anyone who might be trapped and to evacuate people from high-risk zones.”
CM Mamata Banerjee to Assess the Situation
In a key development, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed her visit to the landslide-hit areas tomorrow. Her presence is intended to bolster the morale of the affected population and ensure a coordinated and effective response from the administration.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Ms. Banerjee will hold high-level meetings with district and disaster management officials. She is also expected to meet the families of the victims and visit relief camps that have been set up for those displaced by the tragedy.
The state government has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those seriously injured.
Environmental Factors and Future Warnings
While the immediate trigger is the incessant rain, environmental experts have long warned of the region’s vulnerability. Unplanned construction, widespread deforestation, and the blocking of natural drainage channels have significantly increased the risk of such calamities.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours, adding to the anxiety in the region. The immediate focus remains on the heroic rescue efforts, with the Chief Minister’s visit expected to provide solace and a clear roadmap for relief and rehabilitation.
