Bhutan releases Tala dam water after heavy Himalayan rains, worsening floods. West Bengal warns of sudden rises in Torsha, Sankosh, Jaldhaka rivers, impacting Alipurduar and Cooch Behar.
Continuous heavy rainfall over the past several days has unleashed landslides and flash floods across Darjeeling and neighbouring districts of North Bengal, killing at least 18 people and leaving hundreds stranded as major roads and bridges collapsed. Authorities have sounded a high alert after Bhutan’s Tala dam began overflowing, raising fears of worsening floods in downstream areas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar districts, warning of more heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. Tourist movement has been halted across hill destinations as rescue and repair operations continue under difficult conditions.
Landslides, Bridge Collapses Cut Off Key Routes
According to officials, torrential downpours triggered multiple landslides overnight in the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, damaging houses, tea garden settlements, and key roadways.
In the worst-affected areas, including Teesta Bazar, Goke, and Peshok, entire slopes have slid onto roads, blocking the National Highway 10 – the main arterial route connecting Sikkim to the plains. Videos shared by the state disaster management department showed huge boulders and uprooted trees tumbling down as rescue teams worked in ankle-deep mud.
In Darjeeling’s Rambi area, an iron bridge over the Teesta River was washed away by strong currents, cutting off access between several villages and making rescue efforts difficult. Harrowing visuals aired by local channels showed vehicles and debris being swept away downstream. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been deployed to restore connectivity, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state rescue units are conducting search operations.
Flood Alert as Bhutan’s Dam Overflows
The situation has worsened further as Bhutan began releasing water from its Tala dam following heavy rainfall in the Himalayan region. West Bengal’s irrigation department said the release could cause a sudden rise in water levels in the Torsha, Sankosh, and Jaldhaka rivers flowing into Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the state is in close touch with Bhutanese authorities and central agencies. “We are monitoring the situation round the clock. The overflow from Bhutan is being tracked, and district administrations have been alerted to evacuate people from low-lying areas,” Banerjee said in Kolkata. She added that relief camps have been opened and arrangements made for food, water, and medical support.
According to the latest reports from the state disaster management department, at least 800 families have been moved to safer locations in Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri. Schools and offices have been closed in several hill subdivisions. The Chief Minister is expected to visit North Bengal once weather conditions improve.
Tourists Evacuated, Rail and Air Traffic Hit
The peak tourist season in the Darjeeling hills has come to an abrupt halt. The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) ordered all hotels and guesthouses to suspend new bookings and advised visitors to leave the region at the earliest. Over 200 tourists stranded in Mirik and Kurseong were rescued by the police and local volunteers on Sunday.
Train services between New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri were temporarily suspended due to track damage, while Bagdogra airport faced flight cancellations and diversions. Power supply disruptions have also been reported across several hill towns, and communication lines remain patchy.
Tea industry representatives have warned of heavy losses as estates remain closed and roads to Siliguri are impassable.
IMD Warns of More Rain Under Cyclone “Shakti” Influence
The IMD has attributed the intense rainfall to the interaction of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal with moist Himalayan winds, compounded by the outer influence of Cyclone Shakti, which is currently hovering over the northeast Arabian Sea. The department said the system is expected to move eastward, causing widespread rain across Bihar, Sikkim, and northeastern India in the coming days.
A central team is expected to assess the damage once the weather stabilises. Officials said restoring connectivity and preventing dam breaches are top priorities.
Chief Minister Banerjee expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel. “The hills are fragile; our focus is on saving lives and preventing further damage,” she said.
As rain continues to lash North Bengal, thousands remain on edge, fearing fresh landslides and floods. The next 48 hours are being viewed as crucial for both rescue operations and the safety of downstream regions.
