Authorities in India have declared a red alert across parts of North Bengal after torrential rains triggered a series of devastating landslides and flash floods, leaving at least 13 people dead and several others missing.
Officials said nine victims lost their lives when an iron bridge collapsed in Mirik, Darjeeling district, while four others were killed in separate landslides in Sukhia, according to reports from IANS Live.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that extremely heavy rain is expected to continue across Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar through Sunday, prompting the highest-level weather alert for the region.
A major landslide along National Highway 110, near Kurseong’s Hussain Khola area, has cut off the crucial route linking Siliguri and Darjeeling, leaving thousands stranded and halting transportation of goods and emergency aid.
Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari described the situation as “catastrophic,” posting on X that communication lines and transport routes between the hills and the plains have been “almost completely severed” by the floods and mudslides.
Dramatic visuals aired by India Today TV showed entire stretches of roads buried under thick mud, homes washed away, and the collapsed bridge at Mirik split in two.
Locals could be seen wading through waist-deep water as emergency teams battled to reach remote villages.
Meteorologists said a well-marked low-pressure system over west Jharkhand and adjoining Bihar is driving the extreme weather.
The system is expected to move northeast toward Bihar before weakening by Monday morning.
In Jalpaiguri’s Malbazar, continuous downpours have inundated vast areas, with rivers Teesta and Mal flowing well above danger levels, threatening further flooding downstream.
The IMD also forecast light to moderate rainfall in most parts of southern Bengal, with heavier downpours likely in Murshidabad, Birbhum, and Nadia. The Bankura district recorded the highest rainfall in 24 hours, 65.8 mm as of Saturday morning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy, writing on X:
“Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to a bridge mishap in Darjeeling. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.
“May the injured recover soon. The situation is being closely monitored, and all possible assistance will be provided to those affected.”
Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state agencies working to clear blocked highways and reach trapped residents as the rains continue to batter the Himalayan foothills.
