Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and damage caused by heavy rainfall and landslides in various parts of West Bengal and Sikkim.
In a post shared on the social media platform ‘X’, he stated that the news of multiple deaths and several people missing due to heavy rains and landslides in different areas of West Bengal and Sikkim is extremely distressing.
He extended his deepest condolences to the affected families and hoped for the swift and safe recovery of those missing. Rahul Gandhi appealed to the administration to expedite the relief and rescue operations. He also urged the central government to immediately provide the necessary assistance to the affected states, considering the gravity of the situation. Furthermore, he requested Congress leaders and workers to cooperate with the administration and extend all possible help to the affected people.
Earlier, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) informed on ‘X’ that rescue operations are underway in the flood-affected areas with the help of local administration to move stranded people to safer locations. The NDRF reported that during the rescue operation in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, 105 people were evacuated by boats and 55 by a zip line. A body was also recovered during the operation.
It is reported that up to 13 people have died so far in Darjeeling, West Bengal, due to heavy rainfall and landslides. Several roads have been damaged by the landslides. In these circumstances, the West Bengal Police has issued a helpline number for tourists.
Bengal Police wrote on ‘X’, “Due to heavy rainfall last night, some roads in Darjeeling have been waterlogged, disrupting traffic. Road clearing work is in progress, and normal traffic is expected to resume soon. Tourists who are stranded or need assistance can contact the Darjeeling Police Control Room at +91 91478 89078.”
According to officials, 9 people died in Mirik, Darjeeling, after an iron bridge collapsed, while 4 people were killed in separate landslide incidents in the Sukhiapokhri area.