22 killed in landslides in Darjeeling district; Narendra Modi announces Rs 2 lakh compensation
Siliguri: At least 22 people were killed and many others were missing in landslides triggered by heavy rains in three sub-divisions of Darjeeling district since last night.
The landslides in 25 places in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong subdivisions also caused extensive damage to NH-10 and NH-55, cutting off road link to the region. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel were carrying out rescue operations and Army's help has been sought.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed pain over the loss of lives and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased.
Deeply pained at the loss of lives due to the landslides in Darjeeling district. Condolences to the families of the deceased.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 1, 2015A compensation of Rs. 2 lakh from the PMNRF would be provided to the families of the deceased.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 1, 201520 persons were also injured in the calamity and 15 people were reported missing at 8 Mile and 11 Mile areas in Kalimpong, SSB sources said. "22 people were killed in landslides at different places in Darjeeling hills," Disaster Management Minister Javed Khan said in Kolkata.
Border Roads Organisation (BRO) men were engaged in clearing the blocked roads. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is now in Murshidabad district, is rushing to the affected places.
"I am monitoring the situation closely and will rush there after the meeting in Murshidabad," she tweeted.
Anguished about loss of lives in Mirik/Kalimpong landslides. Home Secretary already in N Bengal 1/2
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 1, 2015I am monitoring situation closely and will rush there after meet in Murshidabad 2/2
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 1, 2015
She said that the home secretary was already in North Bengal. North Bengal Development Minister Gautam Deb said that Army's help had been sought for the rescue operations although various agencies were working there.
The sources said that at least 25 landslips were reported from the three sub-divisions and SSB teams have rushed to the affected areas. NH 10 (old NH 55A) bore the brunt with the road link to Kalimpong, Lava, Lolegaon and Garubathan snapped. NH 55 connecting Siliguri, Matigara with Darjeeling was also damaged particularly in Mirik and Rohini areas. A bridge on NH 55 has been washed away at Nimbujhora, the sources said
The PRO of SSB's Randindanga camp said Mirik reported ten deaths followed by Kalimpong where seven people lost their lives and one person was killed at Sukiapokhri. More details were awaited, he said adding that rescue work was underway and the figure could rise, he said. Landslides occurred at several places between Mongpong and Sevoke Kalibari and people were stranded on NH31 which links these places.
