Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has extended solidarity and assured comprehensive assistance to the governments of West Bengal and Sikkim, both of which are reeling under widespread destruction caused by landslides and flash floods. In a message posted on social media platform X, Sarma expressed profound grief over the loss of lives in Darjeeling district, where multiple landslides have claimed at least 24 lives so far. Heavy rainfall since last week has triggered large-scale mudslides, burying houses, blocking highways, and cutting off remote mountain settlements. Rescue and relief operations have been ongoing, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Teams, and local volunteers working tirelessly to locate missing residents and tourists stranded in high-altitude zones.
“We are extremely distressed by the devastation and loss of lives in Darjeeling and elsewhere in North Bengal due to heavy rains,” Sarma wrote. “On behalf of the people of Assam, we are ready to provide any support to the Government of West Bengal in rescue and relief operations.” The Chief Minister also expressed grave concern over the worsening flood situation in Sikkim, where torrential downpours have caused rivers to overflow, washing away bridges, damaging roads, and isolating several villages. Landslides have further hampered the movement of essential supplies to upper reaches of Mangan, Gangtok, and Pakyong districts, forcing hundreds to seek shelter in relief camps. “The people of Assam stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in Sikkim in this hour of crisis,” Sarma added, tagging Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) in his post. “We are committed to extend every possible assistance to help Sikkim and Bengal recover from this severe weather event.” Officials in Assam confirmed that the State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has been placed on alert to coordinate potential logistical support, including emergency supplies, medical teams, and rescue personnel, should the neighboring states require assistance.
In West Bengal’s Darjeeling hills, weeks of uninterrupted rain have saturated the slopes, leading to deadly landslides that destroyed dozens of homes in Mirik, Kurseong, and Kalimpong. Rescue agencies have been struggling against challenging terrain and blocked roads, while the army has joined efforts to evacuate trapped villagers. According to local authorities, over 3,000 tourists remain stranded in various parts of North Bengal as major routes, including NH-55 and NH-10, are temporarily closed due to debris and road collapse. In Sikkim, rivers such as the Teesta and Rangeet have breached their banks, flooding low-lying areas and displacing hundreds of families. The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) has reported severe damage to public infrastructure, particularly bridges and power lines, disrupting communication and mobility in the state. Relief distribution remains a challenge due to blocked access routes and continuous rainfall warnings.
