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Darjeeling Landslide Kills 28, Bhutan Issues Warning
Heavy rainfall triggered landslides in Darjeeling and surrounding areas in West Bengal, claiming the lives of at least 28 people and leaving many others missing. The district recorded around 261 mm of rain in 24 hours, causing rivers to burst banks and roads and bridges to collapse.
Authorities have sounded a high flood alert after Bhutan’s Tala Hydropower Dam began overflowing due to a technical malfunction in its gate system. Bhutan has warned downstream areas in North Bengal to brace for rising water levels and possible flash floods.
Rescue efforts are underway with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local agencies deployed in Mirik, Sukhia Pokhri, and other hit areas. Many villages are still cut off due to smashed roads and landslides. The NDRF has placed teams on “highest alert” in districts including Alipurduar.
Officials in West Bengal are coordinating with Bhutanese authorities to monitor the dam’s status and river flows. The gate malfunction reportedly prevented planned release of water, causing overflow that exacerbates flood risk in lower-lying areas.
As rescue operations continue, the region faces the dual challenges of clearing debris in the hills and managing downstream flood dangers.
