North Bengal landslides: Death toll rises to 39, rescue efforts continue
Normal life remains disrupted in several parts of North Bengal as rescue teams continue to search for missing persons following heavy rainfall and landslides over the past few days. The death toll has risen to 39 across the hills, Terai, and Dooars regions, according to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and district administrations in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri.
According to officials, three more bodies were recovered in the last 24 hours, two of which were found along the Jaldhaka River. The victims are yet to be identified. Authorities fear the toll may rise further as rescue teams reach remote and inaccessible areas.
With weather conditions improving, relief and restoration work have gained pace. Damaged roads have been partially repaired, and some trekking routes, including the popular Sandakphu trail, have reopened. However, restoring the electricity supply across the affected hill areas remains a major challenge. Power department teams are working on a war footing to resume full connectivity.
According to the NDRF, the focus now is on providing immediate relief, ensuring access to essential services, and restoring normalcy in the worst-hit pockets. Rescue teams continue to monitor vulnerable slopes to prevent further incidents as operations move deeper into remote regions.
