North Bengal: Authorities in North Bengal are on high alert following a technical malfunction at Bhutan’s Tala Hydropower Dam, raising fears of flooding in the Dooars region. The dam gates failed to open, causing water to spill over, prompting Bhutan’s National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) to formally alert the West Bengal government.
India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has put its Alipurduar unit on the highest alert, recalled personnel on leave, and deployed an additional 15 rescuers from Siliguri. A storm from eastern Uttar Pradesh is moving toward Madarihat in Dooars, and heavy rainfall in Bhutan’s hills could lead to rivers swelling rapidly, increasing flash flood risks.
Meanwhile, torrential rain in Darjeeling has caused massive landslides, claiming at least 18 lives and cutting off several villages. NDRF Deputy Inspector General Mohsen Shahedi said teams from Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Alipurduar are already engaged in rescue and relief operations, with reinforcements from Malda and Kolkata en route. Roads and houses in Mirik and Sukhia Pokhari areas have been severely damaged, leaving residents stranded.
Authorities are urging locals to remain vigilant, avoid flood-prone areas, and follow official advisories as rescue efforts continue.
