Kolkata: West Bengal is reeling under one of its most severe monsoon episodes in recent years as torrential rains triggered massive landslides across the Darjeeling hills, claiming at least 18 lives and leaving several others missing. The relentless downpour, which began on Saturday, has wreaked havoc on infrastructure, flattened homes, and severed critical communication and transport links, isolating numerous villages in the region.

The worst-hit areas include Mirik, Sukhia Pokhari, and Kalimpong, where entire communities have become inaccessible due to washed-out roads and collapsed bridges. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, warning of continued heavy rainfall and the risk of further landslides. The situation is exacerbated by the overflow of the Tala H

See Full Page