North Bengal Faces Dual Threat: Darjeeling Landslides and Bhutan Dam Overflow Warning

Several areas in Jalpaiguri are experiencing waterlogging following heavy rainfall across north Bengal.

Kolkata:

As Darjeeling struggles to recover from devastating heavy rainfall that triggered landslides, resulting in 17 fatalities and significant destruction of roads and bridges, the northern region of West Bengal now faces an additional serious threat originating from Bhutan.

Bhutanese authorities have issued a warning that the Wangchu river has overflowed a dam in their country and have advised the Mamata Banerjee government to "prepare for eventualities."

Located to the north of Bengal, Bhutan's overflowing waters flowing downstream would impact the districts of Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar. These districts have already been experiencing substantial rainfall, with numerous areas currently underwater.

The National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology in Thimphu, Bhutan, has reported receiving information from Druk Green Power Corporation that the "Tala Hydropower Dam gates failed to open and river water is overflowing the dam."

This hydroelectric facility is situated on Bhutan's Wangchu River, which becomes known as Raidak once it crosses into India, flowing through north Bengal before entering Bangladesh. "It is requested to be alert and inform the State Government of West Bengal, India, to prepare for eventualities. The Office of TMO, Flood Warning under the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology, Bhutan, will continue to update the situation in coordination with the DGPC," stated the hydrology centre.

The alert from Bhutan arrives as Darjeeling grapples with extensive damage after heavy rainfall caused multiple landslides, severing road connections to Sikkim. Seventeen individuals have lost their lives while rescue teams work diligently to evacuate stranded tourists and residents, and restore transportation infrastructure.

Bengal Chief Minister Banerjee plans to visit Darjeeling tomorrow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences to the families of those who perished in Darjeeling. "The situation in Darjeeling and (the) surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected," he communicated via X.