Darjeeling: At least six people have died in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district as relentless rain triggered landslides and a major bridge collapse, officials said on Saturday.
A landslide struck Mirik, while the Dudia Iron Bridge, a key link between Mirik, Kurseong and surrounding tourist destinations, caved in under the impact of the downpour. Another landslide was reported from Hussain Khola along National Highway 110 near Kurseong, leaving roads buried under mud and debris.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar under red alert, warning of extremely heavy rainfall until Monday morning. A well-marked low-pressure system is expected to keep rainfall heavy to very heavy across sub-Himalayan West Bengal till Monday.
Neighboring districts have also been hit hard. In Jalpaiguri’s Malbazar, large areas have been submerged following overnight rain, while rivers including the Teesta and Mal are flowing above the danger mark, creating a flood-like situation.
The IMD bulletin said Alipurduar will also receive heavy rain through Monday, while light to moderate showers are forecast across most parts of south Bengal, with heavier spells in Murshidabad, Birbhum and Nadia.
In the past 24 hours, several parts of West Bengal recorded significant rainfall, with Bankura reporting the highest at 65.8 mm, according to the Met office.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as continuous rain and landslides have cut off several hill roads, severely disrupting movement across the region.