At least nine people have lost their lives after heavy rains triggered multiple landslides in different parts of Darjeeling district in West Bengal, reports said on Sunday. Two others are still reported missing, raising fears that the death toll may rise as search and rescue operations continue.

According to initial reports, four people were killed at Dara Gaon near Soureni when a mound of earth collapsed on their house between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. Fatalities have also been reported from Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, and Mirik Lake areas.

Rescue teams have managed to pull at least four survivors from the debris in Dhar Gaon. The ongoing rainfall and difficult terrain have posed significant challenges for the rescuers.

The heavy downpour also caused the collapse of a section of the Dhudia Bridge, an iron bridge spanning the Balason River at Dudhia, further hampering connectivity and relief efforts.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and assured full central government assistance to those affected.

“Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to a bridge mishap in Darjeeling. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” the Prime Minister wrote on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter).

“The situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected,” his post further read.

Rescue and relief teams from the district administration, NDRF, and state disaster management authorities continue to operate in affected areas to locate the missing and assist the displaced.