New Delhi, 5 October (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the widespread destruction caused by heavy rains in Darjeeling of West Bengal and said that the Center is committed to providing all assistance to the affected.
Officials said on Sunday that at least 13 people have died in landslides in the hills of North Bengal, after overnight rain, causing extensive severe disruption. Among them, nine killed when an iron bridge fell in Mirik in Darjeeling district. Four people died in Sukhia region in separate landslides.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Darjeeling caused deep pain due to loss of life. There is condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured may recover soon.”
He said, “The situation is being closely monitored in view of heavy rains and landslides in Darjeeling and surrounding areas. We are committed to provide all possible assistance to the affected people,” he said.
Many roads have been damaged due to landslides, and communication has been cut. The administration has said that communication with Sikkim and Kalimpong has been completely cut off as the water level in the Teesta River rises above the danger level and washed NH -10. Even communication with Darjeeling City has been disrupted.
At the same time, tourists are stranded in many destinations. Rescue work is currently underway.
The administration has closed all tourist points in Darjeeling. Tourists trapped in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and other areas have been asked not to go out of their hotels.
The meteorological office has estimated heavy rainfall in North Bengal for the next two days, which is likely to cause inconvenience to deteriorate and rescue operations.
The Regional Meteorological Center in Alipore, Kolkata had earlier estimated that there would be rain in North Bengal. A warning of very heavy rainfall was issued in Darjeeling district. As predicted, it started raining on Saturday night. Till Sunday morning, continuous rains have caused havoc in the hilly areas.
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SD/DPB