West Bengal landslides: PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh for kin of those killed

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed pain over the loss of lives due to landslides in Darjeeling district of West Bengal 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.

Heavy rains triggered landslides in three sub-divisions of Darjeeling district since last night. As per the latest toll, 22 people have been killed, 20 were injured and 15 were reported missing, SSB sources said.