Heavy rains and subsequent landslides have wreaked havoc across Darjeeling in West Bengal, claiming at least seven lives. The deluge proved powerful enough to cause the collapse of the iron Dhudia Bridge, which spanned the Balason River and connected Siliguri to Mirik.

The India Meteorological Department had issued a red alert for the sub-Himalayan districts, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar.  On Sunday, officials reported multiple landslides, particularly in Dara Gaon near Soureni, where one such slide struck a house in the early hours, killing four people as they slept.

BJP MP Raju Bista expressed shock over the scale of destruction. He confirmed deaths, property damage, and collapsing infrastructure, and said he is coordinating with authorities to manage the crisis.