Heavy rain disrupts normal life in north Bengal, red alert issued in several districts
Kolkata, June 28
Heavy rain over the last few days has affected normal life in the north Bengal hills, with a large number of tourists stranded in several hill stations. Road connectivity with the plains has been snapped in several places due to landslides.
Following incessant rainfall, various areas of Alipurduar district have been submerged. At the same time, continuous rain has increased the water level in the Torsa River in Cooch Behar district. Meanwhile, traffic has come to a halt on Falakata Road in Alipurduar.
According to administrative officials, a landslide occurred in Mirik on Sunday morning following continuous overnight rain. Work to clear the debris began swiftly. On the other hand, various areas of Alipurduar town have been inundated due to the relentless downpour. Water has accumulated in several areas, including Wards 1, 4, 5, 8 and 9. The sluice gates have been closed because of the rising water levels in the Dima and Kaljani rivers. As a result, water from the town is unable to drain out.
The situation in Cooch Behar is also grim. The water level in the Torsa River has risen due to continuous rainfall. The Madhupur area under Cooch Behar Block II has turned into a flood-affected zone. Sukumar Roy, BJP MLA from the Cooch Behar Uttar Assembly constituency, visited the area on Sunday to take stock of the situation.
The administration is closely monitoring the weather situation and making arrangements to assist people in distress. Relief materials have been stocked at BDO offices, while civil defence personnel have been kept on high alert.
It is worth noting that a red alert for heavy rain has been issued in north Bengal till Monday. According to the forecast, the districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar may receive up to 200 millimetres of rainfall. An orange alert is in force in North Dinajpur district. Similar alerts for thunderstorms and rain have also been issued for South Dinajpur and Malda districts. A yellow alert for heavy rain remains in place in the remaining districts.
Due to the continuous rainfall, a large number of tourists are stranded in the hill stations of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Mirik. Landslides have forced them to take detours and remain in hotels until roads are cleared. In view of the inclement weather, several hotel booking cancellations have also been reported across many areas.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Torsa river flooding is really scary. I have relatives in Cooch Behar and they said water entered their ground floor. The administration should open more relief camps and distribute food packets. Hope everyone stays safe! 🙏
Red alert in 5 districts is serious business. 200mm rainfall in a day is no joke. The hills are already fragile due to unchecked construction. We need better drainage systems and early warning systems. Tourists should also avoid unnecessary travel during monsoon.
I was planning a trip to Darjeeling next week. Now I have to cancel. 😞 But safety first. The landslides on Mirik road are concerning. Hope the administration clears them quickly. Kudos to the civil defence teams working day and night!
Honestly, this happens every monsoon but we never learn. The sluice gates being closed due to rising river levels is a design flaw. Why are towns built in floodplains? And why no concrete plan to evacuate people from low-lying areas? Just stocking relief materials isn't enough.
My heart goes out to the people in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar. Waterlogging is so stressful. I remember last year when our area was flooded. It's a nightmare. The MLA visiting is
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