Devastating Downpours Claim 14 Lives: North Bengal Battles Floods, Landslides, Bridge Failures

Heavy rain across Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim over the weekend has left a trail of destruction. Floods and landslides have claimed at least 14 lives so far and cut off vital road links, leaving entire communities isolated.

In Darjeeling district, six lives were lost in a landslide near Mirik. The Dudhia Iron Bridge which connected Mirik to Kurseong collapsed under the strain, leaving hundreds trapped. Further landslides struck near Hussain Khola along NH-110 towards Kurseong, blocking traffic.

Roads Severed, Towns Cut Off

In Kalimpong, relentless downpours have battered homes, washed away road surfaces, and snapped communication lines. Along NH-717E, between Pedong and Rishikhola, a landslide has halted all traffic, severing one of the few alternate routes between Siliguri and Sikkim.

Across the region, authorities have closed stretches of NH-110 and NH-717E, deeming them unsafe. With debris, flooded sections, and unstable slopes, rescue teams are struggling to reach remote communities.

Wildlife in Distress: Animals Pushed into Human Settlements 

Rivers like the Teesta, Jaldhaka and Mahananda have swollen. Forests along their banks are inundated. Wildlife is fleeing with elephants stuck near Kamarghat, a rhino wandering into Kalibari, deer and bison calves seen stranded in villages. Forest officials are scrambling to guide animals back to safer habitats before more tragedies occur.

Alert Levels Raised and Warnings Sounded

The India Meteorological Department has issued orange alerts for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and a red alert for Alipurduar. Residents are urged to avoid venturing out, steer clear of rivers, avoid taking shelter under trees or power lines, and stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.

Leaders Express Concerns, Relief Operations Underway

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and asked for swift rescue and relief. The President and Vice President also offered condolences to the affected families.

Locally, the Darjeeling District Police, forest departments, volunteers and disaster teams are coordinating rescue and relief amid difficult terrain and continuing rains.

Travel Advisory: Postpone Your Trip

Travel to or through North Bengal and Sikkim is strongly discouraged unless essential. Surface routes are disrupted, bridges are unsafe, landslides active. Air connectivity to Bagdogra remains, but onward travel into hill regions is uncertain.

What this really means is: relief teams face uphill battles, isolated locales may be out of reach for a while, and communities will need immediate support.