North Bengal Rain Alert: Continuous heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc across North Bengal. Landslides have been reported in Mirik and Sukhia Pokhari in Darjeeling. Fourteen people have lost their lives due to the heavy downpour. Rescue operations by the Darjeeling District Police are underway. Bad weather and rugged terrain are creating difficulties. Media reports indicate the death toll could rise further. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, and Cooch Behar today, October 5. A red alert has been issued for Alipurduar, and a yellow alert for North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, and Malda.
Heavy rainfall has disrupted everyday life in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim. The iron bridge at Dudhiya, spanning the Balason River, collapsed due to heavy rain. The administration has expressed fears that the death toll may rise further. Two people died in a major landslide in the Jasbir Basti area of the Darjeeling district.
IMD issues alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rains in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, and Cooch Behar. A red alert has been issued in Alipurduar, and a yellow alert has been issued in North-South Dinajpur and Malda. People have been advised not to take shelter under trees and electric poles and to stay away from water bodies.
BJP MP from Darjeeling, Raju Bista, wrote on the social media platform ‘X’, “I am deeply saddened by the devastation caused by heavy rains in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. There has been loss of life, property damage, and extensive damage to infrastructure. I am monitoring the situation and in contact with the concerned authorities.”