Darjeeling, West Bengal: North Bengal is on high alert as authorities brace for potential flooding in the Dooars region following the overflow of Bhutan’s Tala Hydropower Dam. The warning comes amid ongoing devastation in Darjeeling district, where heavy rains and landslides have claimed at least 28 lives and left several villages cut off.
Bhutan’s National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) reported that the Druk Green Power Corporation detected a malfunction in the dam gates, which failed to open, causing water to spill over the dam structure. The Bhutanese authorities have officially alerted the West Bengal government to prepare for downstream impacts.
Landslides wreak havoc in Darjeeling
In Darjeeling, continuous torrential rainfall has caused widespread destruction, particularly in Mirik and Sukhia Pokhari. Roads have caved in, bridges have collapsed, and several houses have been washed away.
Thirteen bodies have been recovered in Mirik, a town famed for Sumendu Lake and views of Kanchenjunga. Ten more people, including a tourist from Kolkata, are reported missing. Officials warn that the death toll may rise as teams reach upper hill areas where communication lines remain down.
Darjeeling recorded 261 mm of rain in 24 hours from Saturday morning, classified as “extremely heavy rainfall.” Nearby districts also faced heavy downpours: Cooch Behar – 192 mm, Jalpaiguri – 172 mm, and Gajoldoba in Jalpaiguri – 300 mm.
NDRF intensifies rescue operations
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has placed its team in Alipurduar on the highest alert level, recalling all personnel on leave and dispatching 15 additional rescuers from Siliguri to support low-lying areas near the Indo-Bhutan border.
Deputy Inspector General Mohsen Shahedi stated that three teams are already deployed from Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Alipurduar, while two more teams from Malda and Kolkata are en route. “Our personnel are engaged in locating missing persons and helping stranded villagers,” he said.
Flood risk in the Dooars
Authorities fear that rivers in North Bengal could swell rapidly due to continued rainfall in Bhutan’s hills. A storm system from eastern Uttar Pradesh is approaching the Dooars area, raising the risk of flash floods in already vulnerable regions. Officials are closely monitoring water levels and coordinating emergency response to mitigate further damage.
Conclusion
The combined impact of Bhutan dam overflow and relentless rainfall has put North Bengal on edge, particularly in the Dooars. While rescue and relief operations are underway, the situation remains critical, with authorities urging residents to stay vigilant and prepared for possible floods.