North Bengal floods are man made, says Mamata as toll rises to 28

The death toll in the North Bengal floods has climbed to 28, with five more deaths being reported on Monday (October 6, 2025) from Nagrakata in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district. Of this number, 23 people were killed by landslides in the Darjeeling district on October 4 and October 5. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has blamed poor flood management by the Centre for the devastation.

The Chief Minister announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh on Monday to the next of kin of the deceased, as her government stepped up relief and rescue work in North Bengal, including Darjeeling. During the day, Ms. Banerjee and her Chief Secretary, Manoj Pant, travelled to North Bengal and inspected relief and rescue operations.

Around 500 tourists who were stranded in the Darjeeling hills were rescued by the West Bengal police and have been taken to Siliguri. Tourists stranded in the Dooars have also been evacuated by the West Bengal government. The Chief Minister has directed that tourists will not have to pay for hotels and transport, and all expenses will be borne by the West Bengal government.