Severe rainfall triggers landslides and casualties in North Bengal districts
Incessant night-long rains have wreaked havoc in North Bengal districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Siliguri, leaving over a dozen reportedly killed with many houses destroyed and damaged. A large number of tourists are stranded in North Bengal in this peak festive season.
Incessant rains have triggered landslides across North Bengal with an Iron bridge over the Balason River at Dudhia, connecting Siliguri with Mirik-Darjeeling, getting badly damaged, and cutting off the region, people in the know said. Multiple roads have been closed. Extremely heavy rainfall on Saturday night led to multiple landslides in Kalimpong and Darjeeling districts of West Bengal, disconnecting North Bengal from other parts of the state and Siliguri.
PM Narendra Modi posted in X Handle, "Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to a bridge mishap in Darjeeling. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected."
West Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will visit North Bengal witH Chief Secretary Manoj Pant tomorrow.
As per sources, two deaths have been reported in Sarsaly, two deaths in Jasbirgaon and Mirik Basti, four bodies retrieved from Dhar Gaon and one body from Mirik Lake. Rescue operations are still ongoing by Police and NDRF. According to NDRF sources, at least 6 confirmed deaths have been reported due to rain-related incidents across Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim.
With IMD issuing Orange alert, heavy rains in Bhutan coupled with incessant rainfall last night in North Bengal districts has repeated the disaster-picture, which was witnessed by Kolkata before Durga Pujas, killing ten persons dead.
The road connectivity remains severely disrupted in Darjeeling district and North Sikkim. One village in Mirik is currently marooned due to flooding and road blockages, sources said. NDRF has reached Mirik police station and have been moving to the incident site with SDPO Mirik, sources said. One NDRF team has been requisitioned by SDMA for rescue and relief operations.
According to NDRF severe weather Impact in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim and torrential rains have unleashed widespread devastation across the Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim regions, resulting in significant loss of life and infrastructure damage. Rainfall Darjeeling district’s in Kurseong recorded 393.0 mm of rainfall between 8.30 hrs on 4 October to 8.30 hrs on 5 October.
A team from RRC Siliguri, under the command of Vivek DC, has been mobilised towards Mirik. The team encountered road-blocks on the initially suggested route and is now proceeding via a second alternate route as advised by SP Darjeeling. One additional team pre-positioned at Malda is put on Red alert for moving to Siliguri, NDRF sources said.
The storm system originated from a well-marked low-pressure area over eastern Uttar Pradesh. A major portion of the storm has now moved eastward, heading towards Madarihat in the Dooars. If the system triggers heavy rainfall over the Bhutanese hills, it is likely that rivers in the Dooars region will begin to flood, posing further risk to downstream areas. Two teams pre-prepositioned at Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar is also moved to adjacent vulnerable areas, sources said.
Meanwhile, Bhutan’s Tala Hydropower Dam has overflown. The National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), Bhutan has issued an urgent alert regarding the Tala Hydropower Dam on Wangchhu. The Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) has reported a failure of dam gates to open, resulting in river water overflowing the dam. The West Bengal government has been formally requested to prepare for downstream impacts, people in the know said.
Tourists Stranded
A huge number of tourists are stranded in North Bengal’s Darjeeling as this being the peak festive season. “Due to heavy rainfall last night, landslides have occurred on some roads in Darjeeling, affecting traffic movement. Our teams are working to clear the roads, and normal traffic is expected to resume shortly. Tourists who are stranded or require assistance may contact the Darjeeling Police Control Room at +91 91478 89078,” West Bengal Police posted in its X Handle.
Political parties and leaders extend help
Trinamool National General Secretary Shri Abhishek Banerjee has instructed workers and local leaders in North Bengal to be on ground and help people in whichever possible way during these tough times.
Meanwhile, taking to X, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista said there have been reports of deaths as well as severe damages to properties and infrastructure. “I am extremely anguished to learn about the massive damages caused due to extremely heavy rainfall in many parts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. There have been deaths, and loss of properties, and damages to the infrastructure, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista said, in his X Handle.
“I am taking stock of the situation, and in touch with the relevant authorities. We have already instructed our BJP karyakartas to mobilize in helping and assisting people. We will do everything in our power to help and assist our people. I also appeal to all our Alliance Partners, and other political and social organisations in the region to coordinate efforts, so that we can reach timely help and support to those in need,” Bista added.
According to agencies, the water levels breached NH10 at several low-lying locations. However, authorities said there was no need for public evacuation or the operation of temporary shelters at this stage. The IMD has predicted heavy rainfall for several districts in West Bengal till October 6.
“Due to the incessant heavy rainfall in North Bengal, the hilly regions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong have been severely affected, with communication and transport links to the plains of Siliguri, Terai, and Dooars almost completely disrupted due to landslides and flooding. The iron bridge over the Balason River at Dudhia, connecting Siliguri and Mirik, has collapsed. It is one such example which has affected connectivity. Thousands of residents are stranded, facing hardships without access to essential supplies and services. Reports of casualties are also coming in, details are yet to be ascertained, Leader of Opposition in state assembly Suvendu Adhikari posted in his X Handle..
“I urge the Chief Secretary of West Bengal to immediately mobilize resources and make adequate arrangements for the swift restoration of communication networks in these areas. Additionally, priority must be given to the distribution of relief materials, including food, water, medicines, and temporary shelters, to aid the people in distress to prevent further escalation of this crisis. The safety and well-being of our fellow citizens in North Bengal should be paramount,” the LoP added.
Incessant rains have triggered landslides across North Bengal with an Iron bridge over the Balason River at Dudhia, connecting Siliguri with Mirik-Darjeeling, getting badly damaged, and cutting off the region, people in the know said. Multiple roads have been closed. Extremely heavy rainfall on Saturday night led to multiple landslides in Kalimpong and Darjeeling districts of West Bengal, disconnecting North Bengal from other parts of the state and Siliguri.
PM Narendra Modi posted in X Handle, "Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to a bridge mishap in Darjeeling. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected."
West Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will visit North Bengal witH Chief Secretary Manoj Pant tomorrow.
As per sources, two deaths have been reported in Sarsaly, two deaths in Jasbirgaon and Mirik Basti, four bodies retrieved from Dhar Gaon and one body from Mirik Lake. Rescue operations are still ongoing by Police and NDRF. According to NDRF sources, at least 6 confirmed deaths have been reported due to rain-related incidents across Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim.
With IMD issuing Orange alert, heavy rains in Bhutan coupled with incessant rainfall last night in North Bengal districts has repeated the disaster-picture, which was witnessed by Kolkata before Durga Pujas, killing ten persons dead.
The road connectivity remains severely disrupted in Darjeeling district and North Sikkim. One village in Mirik is currently marooned due to flooding and road blockages, sources said. NDRF has reached Mirik police station and have been moving to the incident site with SDPO Mirik, sources said. One NDRF team has been requisitioned by SDMA for rescue and relief operations.
According to NDRF severe weather Impact in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim and torrential rains have unleashed widespread devastation across the Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim regions, resulting in significant loss of life and infrastructure damage. Rainfall Darjeeling district’s in Kurseong recorded 393.0 mm of rainfall between 8.30 hrs on 4 October to 8.30 hrs on 5 October.
A team from RRC Siliguri, under the command of Vivek DC, has been mobilised towards Mirik. The team encountered road-blocks on the initially suggested route and is now proceeding via a second alternate route as advised by SP Darjeeling. One additional team pre-positioned at Malda is put on Red alert for moving to Siliguri, NDRF sources said.
The storm system originated from a well-marked low-pressure area over eastern Uttar Pradesh. A major portion of the storm has now moved eastward, heading towards Madarihat in the Dooars. If the system triggers heavy rainfall over the Bhutanese hills, it is likely that rivers in the Dooars region will begin to flood, posing further risk to downstream areas. Two teams pre-prepositioned at Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar is also moved to adjacent vulnerable areas, sources said.
Meanwhile, Bhutan’s Tala Hydropower Dam has overflown. The National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), Bhutan has issued an urgent alert regarding the Tala Hydropower Dam on Wangchhu. The Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) has reported a failure of dam gates to open, resulting in river water overflowing the dam. The West Bengal government has been formally requested to prepare for downstream impacts, people in the know said.
Tourists Stranded
A huge number of tourists are stranded in North Bengal’s Darjeeling as this being the peak festive season. “Due to heavy rainfall last night, landslides have occurred on some roads in Darjeeling, affecting traffic movement. Our teams are working to clear the roads, and normal traffic is expected to resume shortly. Tourists who are stranded or require assistance may contact the Darjeeling Police Control Room at +91 91478 89078,” West Bengal Police posted in its X Handle.
Political parties and leaders extend help
Trinamool National General Secretary Shri Abhishek Banerjee has instructed workers and local leaders in North Bengal to be on ground and help people in whichever possible way during these tough times.
Meanwhile, taking to X, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista said there have been reports of deaths as well as severe damages to properties and infrastructure. “I am extremely anguished to learn about the massive damages caused due to extremely heavy rainfall in many parts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. There have been deaths, and loss of properties, and damages to the infrastructure, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista said, in his X Handle.
“I am taking stock of the situation, and in touch with the relevant authorities. We have already instructed our BJP karyakartas to mobilize in helping and assisting people. We will do everything in our power to help and assist our people. I also appeal to all our Alliance Partners, and other political and social organisations in the region to coordinate efforts, so that we can reach timely help and support to those in need,” Bista added.
According to agencies, the water levels breached NH10 at several low-lying locations. However, authorities said there was no need for public evacuation or the operation of temporary shelters at this stage. The IMD has predicted heavy rainfall for several districts in West Bengal till October 6.
“Due to the incessant heavy rainfall in North Bengal, the hilly regions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong have been severely affected, with communication and transport links to the plains of Siliguri, Terai, and Dooars almost completely disrupted due to landslides and flooding. The iron bridge over the Balason River at Dudhia, connecting Siliguri and Mirik, has collapsed. It is one such example which has affected connectivity. Thousands of residents are stranded, facing hardships without access to essential supplies and services. Reports of casualties are also coming in, details are yet to be ascertained, Leader of Opposition in state assembly Suvendu Adhikari posted in his X Handle..
“I urge the Chief Secretary of West Bengal to immediately mobilize resources and make adequate arrangements for the swift restoration of communication networks in these areas. Additionally, priority must be given to the distribution of relief materials, including food, water, medicines, and temporary shelters, to aid the people in distress to prevent further escalation of this crisis. The safety and well-being of our fellow citizens in North Bengal should be paramount,” the LoP added.
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