Heavy Rainfall Triggers Landslides and Bridge Collapse in Darjeeling

Heavy rainfall in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district has led to multiple fatalities and significant infrastructure damage, including the collapse of an iron bridge. The incident occurred on Sunday, with local reports confirming at least six deaths in Mirik due to landslides triggered by the torrential rain.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for the sub-Himalayan district, which includes Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar. This warning indicates severe weather conditions, with expectations of extremely heavy rainfall impacting these areas.

Infrastructure Impact and Emergency Response

The situation escalated when an iron bridge over the Balason River at Dudhia, which connects Siliguri and Mirik, collapsed, disrupting traffic and isolating communities. Local authorities are grappling with the aftermath as they assess the extent of the damage and coordinate rescue efforts.

Raju Bista, the Member of Parliament for Darjeeling, expressed his deep concern over the situation. In a statement on social media platform X, he highlighted the “massive damages” caused by the heavy rains and acknowledged the loss of lives and property. Bista confirmed that he is in contact with relevant authorities to monitor the situation closely.

The IMD’s warnings were not limited to Darjeeling. A red alert was also issued for Alipurduar, while an orange alert for heavy rainfall is in effect for Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Kalimpong. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata, a red alert for extremely heavy rain will remain active for Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar until 12:00 hours on the day of the report.

Community and Government Response

The local government and disaster management teams are mobilizing resources to assist those affected by the adverse weather conditions. Emergency services are on high alert, focusing on search and rescue operations, particularly in regions severely hit by landslides.

Residents in the affected areas have been advised to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols. The impact of the weather is expected to linger, prompting ongoing assessments and potential further warnings as conditions evolve.

As the situation develops, local officials are calling for community resilience and cooperation in facing the challenges posed by nature. The full extent of the damage will become clearer in the coming days as recovery efforts continue.