Darjeeling (WB)- At least 20 people, including children, were killed as relentless rain triggered one of the worst landslides in a decade across Mirik and Darjeeling hills on Sunday, sweeping away homes, cutting off roads, isolating villages, and leaving hundreds of stranded tourists amid widespread devastation, officials said.

According to reports compiled by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the district administration, fatalities were reported from several locations – Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagrakata and the Mirik Lake area.

North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha described the situation as“alarming”.“As of now, the death toll is 20. It is likely to go up,” Guha told PTI.

According to the NDRF, 11 people died in Mirik, the worst-affected zone, while seven injured have been rescued from debris.

In Darjeeling subdivision, seven people were killed, even as rescue teams were working round-the-clock in coordination with police, local administration, and disaster response units.

“Seven deaths have been reported due to a major landslide in Darjeeling subdivision triggered by heavy rainfall since last night,” Darjeeling Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Richard Lepcha said.

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