At least 23 people were killed in Darjeeling district of West Bengal on Wednesday following a fresh landslide.
At least 38 people were killed in landslides triggered by heavy rainfall across Darjeeling district of West Bengal on Wednesday.
While the official figure of the death toll stood at 35, more reports of deaths are pouring in.
The incessant rainfall that hit the district on Tuesday night triggered massive landslides all across the hills and swept away several houses.
Two NDRF and NDMA teams are working at the landslide site, besides the SSB and state national disaster teams.
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.
He directed Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju to go to the locations to take stock of the situation. A team from NDRF is extending all possible support, Modi said.
"Deeply pained at the loss of lives due to the landslides in Darjeeling district. Condolences to the families of the deceased," he tweeted.
"A compensation of Rs. 2 lakh from the PMNRF (Prime Minister's National Relief Fund) would be provided to the families of the deceased," he added.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that a compensation of Rs 1.25 lakh will be given to those who are injured in the landslide and a compensation of Rs 4 lakhs will be given to the family of those deceased.
The National Highway - 10 has been cut off, as a result of which hundreds of tourists are stranded at Darjeeling.
"The state administration has swung into action and the rescue operations have begun. Border force is also helping in the rescue operations. Continuous rains are stalling the rescue operations," said Binay Tamang, Morcha Leader.
On the other hand, red alert has been issued following flood-like situation at Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal.
Following incessant rains, the Teesta river has overflowed and as many as 400 people residing in the Dhupguri and Biren basti beside the river bank, are stranded. Their mud houses have been destroyed in the flood.
The water in the Teesta barrage is rising alarmingly and the administration has started the evacuation process in the adjoining areas of the river.
Meanwhile, the North Bengal Development minister, Gautam Deb has said, "Our priority is to rescue people and provide them with medical aid. The biggest challenge is to get through the worse hit areas amidst the incessant rains."
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