Heavy Rains, Landslides Kill 17, Isolate North Bengal Sikkim

Heavy and relentless rainfall since October 4 has caused severe flooding and landslides in northern West Bengal and adjoining areas, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar districts, resulting in at least 17 deaths. Critical infrastructure such as National Highway 10, vital bridges including the Dudhia Iron Bridge, and multiple roads have been severely damaged or collapsed, isolating large parts of North Bengal and Sikkim and hampering rescue efforts. The India Meteorological Department issued red warnings and predicted continued heavy rains, exacerbating fears of further flooding, especially with Bhutan's Tala hydropower dam overflowing. Rescue operations face considerable challenges due to continuous rainfall, debris-blocked roads, and the collapse of key bridges, leaving residents and tourists stranded. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has promised state-funded evacuations for stranded tourists and announced compensation for victims' families, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences and pledged support. Authorities continue to work on relief efforts amid the ongoing crisis with access and communication severely disrupted.