At least 20 people, including several children, were killed and scores injured as relentless downpours unleashed massive landslides across the Mirik and Darjeeling hills in West Bengal Sunday, sweeping away homes, severing road links, isolating villages, and leaving hundreds of tourists stranded, officials said.

According to reports compiled by the NDRF and the district administration, fatalities were reported from several locations – Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagrakata and Mirik Lake area.

Stating that the loss of lives is tragic, North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha told PTI that the situation is “alarming.”

“As of now the death toll is 20. It is likely to go up. I am on my way to the area,” he said in the evening.

According to the NDRF statement,

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