Torrential rains devastate Darjeeling of West Bengal
Lanslides in various places towards Darjeeling disrupt communication with the plains of Siliguli. Agamir Somoy photo.
Several days of extremely heavy rainfall have practically crippled North Bengal in the Indian state of West Bengal. The impact of the disaster is evident everywhere, from the hills to the plains. Red alerts have been issued in several districts of North Bengal due to forecasts of heavy to extreme heavy rain.
Water levels in multiple rivers—including the Teesta, Mahananda, Torsa, Jaldhaka, and Raidak—are rising rapidly. Landslides in various places, collapsed roads, damaged bridges, and waterlogging disrupting daily life have spread anxiety among the general public. With the likelihood of continued rainfall over the next few days, the administration's concerns have further increased.
The most worrying situation has emerged in the hills. Continuous rainfall in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and areas adjacent to Sikkim has triggered landslides in multiple locations. Communication has practically come to a standstill after the alternative bridge over the Balason River on the Siliguri-Mirik road collapsed. Vehicular movement has been restricted on several key roads. Some stretches of national highways also face the threat of landslides. As a result, travel and normal life in the hilly areas are being severely disrupted.
Agamir Somoy photo.
This situation has also impacted the tourism industry. Many tourists heading to the hills have found themselves stranded mid-journey. The administration has made arrangements to safely bring back tourists stranded in various areas of Mirik and Darjeeling. Alternative routes have been suggested on several itineraries. Tourists have also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel in high-risk areas.
On the other hand, the situation in the plains is no better. Low-lying areas in Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar have been waterlogged. Water has entered homes in many areas. Standing water in agricultural fields has raised fears of damage to paddy, vegetables, and other crops. Markets and normal public life are also being disrupted. As river levels continue to rise, the threat of flooding is gradually intensifying.
The Irrigation Department is keeping a close watch on the situation. Alerts have already been issued in areas adjacent to the Teesta River. The river's flow is being monitored from Domohani to the border areas. Preparations are also in place to quickly evacuate residents of low-lying areas if water levels rise further.
Agamir Somoy photo.
Meanwhile, the administration has taken special initiatives to ensure tourist safety. A special control room has been opened by the tourism department to assist tourists visiting North Bengal and Sikkim. A 24-hour emergency helpline has also been activated. Additional rescue teams are ready to be deployed if necessary.
According to meteorologists, this situation in North Bengal (WB) has arisen due to an active monsoon and continuous heavy rainfall in the hills. Irrigation official Gautam Ray said that all major rivers are being monitored around the clock. Warnings will be issued promptly if the situation deteriorates. Shantanu Dutta, a tourism businessman from Siliguri, said that many tourists come to see the beauty of the hills during the rains, but at this moment, safety must be given the utmost priority.
Photo collected.
Following the administration's directives is now of paramount importance. Although the disaster has not yet taken the form of full-scale flooding, a sense of caution has spread across vast areas of North Bengal. The administration, disaster management forces, and local residents are now keeping their eyes on the sky and the flow of the rivers.
