The relentless rain in north Bengal has caused significant distress and loss, culminating in the death of a man in Jalpaiguri district. Bimal Sil, a 40-year-old resident, tragically fell into an overflowing drain while navigating a flooded street in the Shanupara locality on Saturday night. Local authorities confirmed the incident, underscoring the dangers posed by the ongoing downpour.
Over the past five days, torrential rains have inundated various regions within the sub-Himalayan districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, and Alipurduar. The Meteorological Department has issued warnings of “heavy to very heavy” rainfall, predicting that these adverse weather conditions will persist until Monday. Other districts, including Malda, North Dinajpur, and South Dinajpur, are also bracing for similar weather, which is anticipated to exacerbate the situation.
The overflowing rivers in the region have breached their banks, leading to widespread flooding that has displaced thousands of residents. Official reports indicate that the water levels in several rivers, including the Teesta, Sankosh, Raidak, Kaljani, Korola, Shil, Torsa, and Ghish, have risen to alarming heights due to the continuous rain. This has not only caused property damage but has also posed serious risks to public safety.
In the worst-affected areas, particularly Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts, many individuals have been forced to seek refuge in school buildings and other higher ground as floodwaters engulf their homes. In Moynaguri town, approximately 200 families evacuated their residences after rainwater seeped in, prompting them to find safer accommodations.
The dire conditions have sparked frustration among residents. On Sunday, anger boiled over as local inhabitants blocked National Highway-27 for over five hours in protest of the insufficient relief materials and lack of adequate shelter provisions. This outcry reflects the urgency of the situation, as community members demand immediate assistance from authorities.
Despite the chaos caused by the rainfall, traffic on National Highway-10, which had been disrupted for two days due to landslides, resumed after workers cleared debris from the road. This restoration of movement comes as a relief, albeit temporary, for many residents who rely on these routes for their daily activities and access to essential services.
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The rainfall figures paint a grim picture of the extent of the deluge. Jalpaiguri district recorded the highest rainfall, measuring a staggering 204 mm in just 24 hours leading up to Sunday at 8 am. Other districts followed suit, with Alipurduar receiving 150 mm, Coochbehar 110 mm, Siliguri 105 mm, Kalimpong 60 mm, and Darjeeling 30 mm. These figures underscore the severity of the monsoon impact in the region.
The West Bengal government and local authorities are mobilizing efforts to address the crisis. Relief operations are expected to be intensified as officials assess the needs of affected families and work to restore normalcy. Meanwhile, the residents, grappling with the aftermath of the floods, are calling for swift action to provide necessary supplies and support to those in distress.
As the weather outlook remains uncertain, community leaders and residents alike are urging the government to take proactive measures to prevent further loss of life and property. The situation in north Bengal serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities during the monsoon season and the need for robust disaster management strategies to mitigate such crises in the future.
