• Heavy rains trigger floods and deadly landslides across Darjeeling, West Bengal, and neighboring Nepal.
• Different tallies show a rising death toll, with dozens killed and many more missing as rescue work begins.
• Bridges collapsed and roads damaged disrupt transport and relief operations, prompting evacuation advisories.
• Authorities pledge assistance and warn of continued rainfall, with calls to protect tourists and residents alike.

Unrelenting rain unleashed floods and landslides in India's eastern hill region of Darjeeling and neighbouring Nepal, leaving a string of damaged roads, washed-out homes, and collapsing bridges. West Bengal officials reported 24 deaths in the Darjeeling area, while Reuters tallied at least 18 fatalities in Darjeeling, and Channel NewsAsia noted more than 70 deaths across Darjeeling and parts of Nepal as relief work began. “Two iron bridges have collapsed, several roads have been damaged and flooded, huge tracts of land ... have been inundated,” Banerjee said in a post on X, underscoring the scale of the damage. The districts affected include Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar, where tea plantations and communities are exposed to the hazards. according to trtglobal, Reuters, and Channel NewsAsia.

Infrastructure damage is widespread, with a Balason River iron bridge linking Siliguri in the plains to the hill town of Mirik described as collapsed, and debris cluttering routes that hinder rescue teams. Reuters notes roads caved in and heavy debris complicating access to remote areas, while CNA emphasizes multiple roads and bridges affected in the same timeframe. Banerjee reiterated the scale of disruption, as the state’s authorities warned of ongoing rain and the need for orderly evacuations. “Two iron bridges have collapsed, several roads have been damaged and flooded, huge tracts of land ... have been inundated,” she added, highlighting how transportation networks are being overwhelmed in Darjeeling and surrounding districts. the situation also prompted calls for caution among tourists. according to trtglobal, Reuters, and Channel NewsAsia.

Government responses and warnings continue as officials vow support for those affected. Reuters quotes Banerjee urging tourists to stay put in North Bengal until police can evacuate them safely, while Channel NewsAsia reports her plea to visitors to remain in place during the crisis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also voiced that all “possible assistance to those affected will be provided,” underscoring nationwide concern. The overwhelming message from leadership is to stay safe, coordinate evacuations, and mobilize relief resources as more showers are forecast. according to trtglobal, Reuters, and Channel NewsAsia.

Across the border in Nepal, authorities reported the death toll rising to 50, with Ilam district accounting for 37 deaths as rescuers sifted through mud and debris to reach survivors. CNA and Reuters corroborate the Nepal figure, while TRT notes the parallel rise in regional fatalities that compounds the crisis in India’s Darjeeling belt. Rescue teams continued to clear blocked roads and search villages that were buried by landslides. “In Nepal, the death toll in floods and landslides rose to 50,” CNA reported, and Reuters echoed the cross-border toll as relief operations expanded. according to trtglobal, Reuters, and Channel NewsAsia.