Torrential rains have caused severe disruption across North Bengal and Sikkim, claiming at least six lives and damaging infrastructure. Rescue operations are underway, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation while urging residents to remain cautious. Authorities warned that the situation could worsen in the coming days.
Fatalities and Landslides in Darjeeling
At least six people have died in Darjeeling district after a landslide struck Mirik. The Dudia Iron Bridge, a key link between Mirik and Kurseong, collapsed due to heavy rainfall, cutting off road access and isolating local communities.
Additional landslides have been reported at Hussain Khola along National Highway 110 near Kurseong, further complicating rescue and relief efforts. Authorities caution that more casualties are possible as rain continues unabated.
Critical Situation in Kalimpong
Kalimpong district remains in a precarious state. Continuous rainfall has caused extensive damage, blocked several roads, and disrupted communication lines.
A landslide on National Highway 717E, the alternate route connecting Siliguri and Sikkim, occurred between Pedong and Rishikhola, bringing all traffic to a standstill. Officials described the road clearance operations as extremely challenging due to ongoing heavy rain.
Impact of the Bridge Collapse
The iron bridge over the Balason River at Dudhia, which connected Siliguri and Mirik, collapsed after overnight heavy rain. Vehicular movement on this route has been suspended completely.
Residents near the river remain on high alert as water levels continue to rise. Police from the Garidhura outpost are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further accidents. Traffic on the Siliguri-Darjeeling SH-12 road has also been restricted following the bridge collapse.
#WATCH | West Bengal Movement of vehicles has been restricted on the Siliguri-Darjeeling SH-12 road after a portion of Dudhia iron bridge collapsed due to heavy rain in North Bengal. pic.twitter.com/0Rv61YekTa
— ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2025
Officials Respond to the Disaster
BJP MP Raju Bista shared updates on X (formerly Twitter), expressing concern over the destruction in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. He said:
“I am extremely anguished to learn about the massive damages caused due to extremely heavy rainfall in many parts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. There have been deaths, and loss of properties, and damages to the infrastructure. I am taking stock of the situation, and in touch with the relevant authorities. We have already instructed our BJP karyakartas to mobilize in helping and assisting people. We will do everything in our power to help and assist our people.”
The devastating rain in the past few days has caused massive damages across our region. In the Terai belt, Siliguri, Matigara, Naxalbari and Phansidewa have suffered waterlogging.
In Khoribari, Naxalbari areas, flood like situation prevails.
All our BJP karyakartas are being… pic.twitter.com/raku3Lko31
— Raju Bista (@RajuBistaBJP) October 5, 2025
Suvendu Adhikari, in a recent post on X, stated that the incessant heavy rainfall in North Bengal had severely affected the hilly regions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong. He said that communication and transport links to the plains of Siliguri, Terai, and Dooars had been almost completely disrupted due to landslides and flooding. He mentioned that the iron bridge over the Balason River at Dudhia, which connects Siliguri and Mirik, had collapsed, calling it a significant example of the connectivity issues caused by the rains.
Adhikari added that thousands of residents were stranded and facing hardships without access to essential supplies and services. He noted that reports of casualties were coming in, though details were yet to be confirmed.
He urged the Chief Secretary of West Bengal to immediately mobilize resources and ensure adequate arrangements for the swift restoration of communication networks in the affected areas. Furthermore, he emphasized that priority should be given to distributing relief materials, including food, water, medicines, and temporary shelters, to help the people in distress and prevent further escalation of the crisis. Adhikari stressed that the safety and well-being of citizens in North Bengal should be the highest priority.
Meanwhile, the Darjeeling District Police are leading ongoing rescue and relief operations. Teams face difficult terrain and poor weather while trying to reach affected areas.
Due to the incessant heavy rainfall in North Bengal, the hilly regions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong have been severely affected, with communication and transport links to the plains of Siliguri, Terai, and Dooars almost completely disrupted due to landslides and… pic.twitter.com/ugkbLrTmQr
— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) October 5, 2025
Weather Forecast and Alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, and Coochbehar for October 5, with heavy rain expected to continue. A red alert applies to Alipurduar, while yellow warnings have been issued for North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, and Malda. Authorities have urged residents to avoid staying under trees or near electric poles and to steer clear of rivers and water bodies due to the risk of flooding and landslides.
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