At least 20 persons, including several children, were killed and dozens injured as heavy rainfall triggered massive landslides across the Mirik and Darjeeling hills in West Bengal on Sunday, sweeping away homes, cutting off roads, isolating villages and leaving hundreds of tourists stranded, officials said.

Fatalities were reported from several locations, including Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagrakata and Mirik Lake area.

North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha termed the situation “alarming”. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), in a statement, said at least 11 persons died in Mirik, the worst-affected area, while seven injured were rescued. In Darjeeling, seven persons died and the rescue operations were underway with the help of police, local ad

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