Severe rainstorms have triggered devastating landslides in Darjeeling, Kalimpong (North Bengal), and Sikkim just weeks before the anticipated Durga Puja tourist season. Major roads, including Sikkim’s National Highway 10, have been closed due to the damage, with the Teesta River breaching its banks at several points.

Since Wednesday, the continuous downpour has caused significant power disruptions in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Conditions worsened on Friday night as heavy rainfall led to numerous landslides, prompting the closure of National Highway 10 by the Kalimpong district administration.

Additional landslides have struck areas like Darjeeling College, Rimbik, and Sukhiapokhri in Darjeeling, and Bhalukhop and Melli in Kalimpong. The situation has been exacerbated by water releases from multiple dams along the Teesta River, leading to flooding in parts of Kalimpong, including the Teesta Bazar area. Officials in Jalpaiguri’s Takmari and Malbazar sub-division have issued warnings to residents about potential flooding.

Yogita Chhetri, a member of the local Teesta gram panchayat, stated: “The situation is critical. On Friday, PWD workers brought a JCB to remove debris, but ongoing rain and fresh landslides halted the work.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee plans to visit Siliguri on Sunday to assess the damage in North Bengal, where she will also hold an administrative meeting.

Meanwhile, Sikkim is facing similar challenges, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a red alert. Reports indicate that Mangan in North Sikkim has been cut off, and many homes in Soreng district’s Daramdin have been damaged by the heavy rains and landslides.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang urged residents to avoid non-essential travel and stay away from flood-prone areas. He reassured the public that the state government is closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautions.

The regions along the Teesta riverbed in Sikkim and Darjeeling have been under distress since a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) occurred in South Lhonak Lake in October last year, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and affecting over 80,000 people. Landslides and flooding during the pre-monsoon season earlier this year compounded the damage.

This recurring natural disaster is particularly concerning for the region as it gears up for the lucrative October tourist season and the upcoming winter months, where tourism serves as the backbone of the local economy.

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