12 Siliguri: An elderly person died in Pulundung village in Darjeeling’s Jorebungalow-Sukhiapokhri block on Thursday morning when the ceiling of his house came crashing down in a rockfall caused by landslides triggered by incessant rain since Wednesday night.
Raghubir Rai (78) was in his kitchen when he was buried under debris. His son, daughter-in-law and grandson — who were in another room — had a lucky escape.
Met officials said Darjeeling received 184.4mm and Kalimpong 79mm rain in the last 24 hours.
The rain has triggered a total of 83 landslides in Darjeeling, damaging 57 houses and partially blocking 18 roads. Multiple landslides have been reported, affecting connectivity with some major tourist destinations in North Bengal and Sikkim ahead of the peak tourist season. A cemented bridge at Balubas has been submerged.
“Landslides have also been reported between Rimbick and Manebhanjyang and on the way to Sandakphu and other tourist spots in Darjeeling,” said Darjeeling SDO Richard Lepcha.
“We have advised tourists against planning to visit the affected areas until further notice. We have imposed traffic restrictions to Sandakphu. Given the extent of the damage, it will take some time to repair the damaged roads,” he added.
Restoration work was on at landslide-affected areas, the SDO said.
Jorebungalow-Sukhiapokhari BDO Arghya Guha said stfeps were being taken to compensate the deceased person’s family, following govt norms.