Kolkata, Nov 1 – Three days of heavy rain, the after‑effects of Cyclone Montha, are pushing river levels above danger thresholds across north Bengal. Residents are bracing for a fresh wave of floods and landslides, especially in the hilly districts.
A newly built emergency dam on the Shisamara River has begun to breach, letting water spill into the villages of Shalkumar 1 and Shalkumar 2 in Alipurduar district. Roughly 200 families have already fled their homes and taken refuge inside Lalturam High School. Local officials say they are arranging meals, blankets and temporary housing for the evacuees. “If the water rises further, the situation will become serious,” said Subhash Roy, head of the Shalkumar 1 gram panchayat.
State Disaster Management officers and district authorities have moved into Shalkumar to help with evacuations. Loudspeakers are sounding warnings in low‑lying areas while crews chase down livestock and salvage household goods. A similar crisis last month on October 5 saw massive flooding and landslides in the same villages after overnight torrential rains.
Beyond the villages, the approach road to Birpara Gerganda Bridge on Asian Highway‑48 has collapsed, causing traffic jams for travellers coming from Northeast India and Bhutan toward Siliguri. Officials urge motorists to find alternate routes while road crews work on repairs.
The Meteorological Department reports that Jalpaiguri district has rained about 170 mm since Friday. In response, water is being released from the Teesta barrage, which is already keeping residents of the Teesta‑par area on edge. The irrigation department keeps a close eye on the flow. Rainfall continues southward into the Darjeeling district, and forecasts warn of heavy showers in Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar later in the day. Light‑to‑moderate rain is expected on Sunday, with a likely shift to drier conditions from Monday onwards.
Residents across north Bengal are advised to stay alert, keep emergency kits ready, and monitor local news for updates on flood warnings, road closures and relief efforts.
Source: ianslive
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