Authorities in India have declared a red alert across parts of North Bengal after torrential rains triggered a series of devastating landslides and flash floods, leaving at least 13 people dead and several others missing.
According to official reports, nine victims lost their lives when an iron bridge collapsed in Mirik, Darjeeling district, while four others were killed in separate landslides in Sukhia.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that extremely heavy rainfall is expected to continue across Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar through Sunday, prompting the highest-level weather alert for the region.
Critical Infrastructure Damage
A major landslide along National Highway 110, near Kurseong's Hussain Khola area, has severed the crucial route linking Siliguri and Darjeeling. This has left thousands of people stranded and halted the transportation of essential goods and emergency aid to affected areas.
Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari described the situation as "catastrophic," stating that communication lines and transport routes between the hills and the plains have been "almost completely severed" by the floods and mudslides.
Dramatic footage showed entire stretches of roads buried under thick mud, homes washed away, and the collapsed bridge at Mirik split in two. Local residents could be seen wading through waist-deep water as emergency teams battled to reach remote villages.
Meteorological Outlook
Meteorologists have attributed the extreme weather to a well-marked low-pressure system over west Jharkhand and adjoining Bihar. This system is expected to move northeast toward Bihar before weakening by Monday morning.
In Jalpaiguri's Malbazar, continuous downpours have inundated vast areas, with rivers Teesta and Mal flowing well above danger levels, threatening further flooding downstream.
The IMD has also forecast light to moderate rainfall in most parts of southern Bengal, with heavier downpours likely in Murshidabad, Birbhum, and Nadia. The Bankura district recorded the highest rainfall in 24 hours, measuring 65.8 mm as of Saturday morning.
Government Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy, writing on X: "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 is being closely monitored, and all possible assistance will be provided to those affected."
Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state agencies working to clear blocked highways and reach trapped residents as the rains continue to batter the Himalayan foothills.
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