Darjeeling: The death toll in the devastating landslides in the Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts of northern West Bengal has risen to 24. Several people are injured with many suspected to be trapped under debris.

Hundreds of tourists are also stranded as the affected areas remain cut off by road to Siliguri. A massive rescue operation has been launched by the NDRF, SDRF and other agencies. It is raining continuously in the area and this is hampering rescue, officials said. ADVERTISEMENT

Tourists have been asked to remain at their hotels or homestays till rescue teams get to them.

“The situation remains grim. Several people are still missing, and the toll is likely to go up. Continuous rainfall is hampering the rescue operations,” North Bengal development minister Udayan Guha told re

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