At least 38 people were killed in landslides triggered by incessant overnight rains in Darjeeling district in the past 24 hours, swamping homes, washing away highways and throwing normal life out of gear in the mountainous area. The police, SSB and NDRF started rescue and relief operations, and the Army’s help has been sought. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee cut short her visit to Murshdiabad district and rushed to North Bengal to personally supervise rescue and relief work. She announced compensation of Rs 4 lakhs to the families of each of those killed and Rs 1.25 lakh to each injured person. “Anguished about loss of lives in Mirik/Kalimpong landslides,” she tweeted. “Life is too precious.” The CM reached Siliguri Wednesday night and will head for Mirik, the worst affected area, on Thursday. PM Narendra Modi tweeted his “deep anguish” and directed MoS home Kiren Rijiju to go to North Bengal to take stock on the situation. Tourists stranded in Darjeeling Incessant rain over the past two days triggered the landslides on Tuesday night. A large number of houses were either flattened or swept away by huge mudslides, burying people while they were sleeping. The SSB and state police have begun rescue operations. But progress is slow as most roads were washed away. Darjeeling DM Anurag Srivastava said the landslides had damaged many roads and the Rakti bridge connecting Mirik with Siliguri. “Roads have been damaged and we are moving earth-removing equipment to the affected areas. We are also seeking the Army’s help to restore road connectivity,” he added. Border Roads Organisation chief engineer S.S. Porwal said National Highway 10, that connects Sikkim with the rest of the country, has also been hit by the landslides. Many tourists are stranded in Darjeeling. A flood-like situation is developing in Jalpaiguri. The Teesta river, which is in spate, has destroyed houses in the Dhupguri and Moynaguri areas. In Kolkata, an emergency control room was opened at Jal Sampad Bhavan and all leave of engineers were cancelled. State irrigation minister Rajib Banerjee said he was closely monitoring the situation in the hills. A helpline has been set up, its number is 18003450117. The West Bengal CM has directed state home secretary Basudeb Banerjee to rush to the clamity-affected region. GTA chief Bimal Gurung and his colleagues drove down to Mirik and took stock. He also announced compensation of Rs 2 lakhs for the families of the deceased.