Siliguri, 19 June (H.S.): Relentless rainfall has wreaked havoc across North Bengal, with the swollen Balason River washing away the temporary bridge at Dudhia and disrupting road connectivity between Siliguri and Mirik. Landslides have been reported from several locations, while uprooted trees and power outages have added to the woes of residents and tourists alike.

The situation continues to worsen as heavy rains lash the region. Residents of the hills and tourists are living in fear amid warnings of further downpours in the coming days.

The latest disaster has revived memories of the devastating floods and landslides that struck North Bengal in October last year. Dudhia bridge had also collapsed during that calamity, causing loss of lives and extensive damage to property and infrastructure. While the region had been gradually recovering from that setback, fresh heavy rains have once again pushed it into crisis.

Continuous rainfall over the past few days has caused rivers across North Bengal to swell. The rising waters of the Balason River eventually swept away the temporary bridge at Dudhia, cutting off a key route connecting Siliguri and Mirik. Landslides have also occurred at several points along National Highway 110, including near Kurseong. Falling trees have obstructed roads, while power supply has been disrupted in several areas.

With the Siliguri-Mirik road link snapped, local residents fear that conditions could deteriorate further if the rain continues. Concerns are also mounting among tourists currently visiting the Darjeeling hills. The monsoon season traditionally attracts visitors seeking the region’s scenic beauty, but many now find themselves stranded or facing uncertainty over their return journey.

Tourists heading back to Siliguri are being advised to use the Sukhiapokhri route. However, there are growing concerns that this alternative road could also be affected if rainfall intensifies.

According to the Meteorological Department, North Bengal is likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next few days. Meanwhile, South Bengal has also come under the influence of the monsoon system. Rain began in several districts, including Kolkata, on Thursday night and continued through Friday morning, accompanied by gusty winds.

Weather officials have forecast thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across all districts of South Bengal on Friday, with conditions expected to intensify from Saturday. Wind speeds of 30 to 50 kmph are also likely during this period.

The districts of Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, Murshidabad and Nadia are expected to face a higher risk of thunderstorms and lightning. Heavy rainfall is also likely in Hooghly, Purulia, Bankura and North 24 Parganas.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged residents and tourists to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel and follow official advisories as the weather system continues to impact large parts of the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey