The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for four flood-prone districts in north Bengal—Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar—as heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecasted between Friday morning and Saturday morning. The IMD has also warned of a high risk of landslides in the affected regions.
Officials in Kolkata have highlighted that certain areas, particularly Jalpaiguri district, may witness extremely heavy rain. This alert comes in the wake of recent floods and landslides caused by incessant rainfall during the night of October 4 and the early hours of October 5, which claimed at least 32 lives. The worst-hit areas included Mirik in Darjeeling and Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri.
The upcoming rainfall is linked to the weakened remnants of Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha, which has now degenerated into a low-pressure area over Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Meteorologists predict that this system will bring further rain to parts of north Bengal. While some rainfall is also expected in districts of south Bengal, no warnings have been issued there.
Authorities have advised residents in the affected areas to exercise extreme caution and follow safety measures, as saturated soil conditions increase the risk of fresh landslides.
