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New Delhi: As heavy downpour continues to lash areas of West Bengal, several districts in the state have been issued a red alert on Sunday. Among those, the city of Coochbehar faced major destruction throughout the day. The Torsa River is swelling rapidly, and while still below danger level, authorities fear that further rain or hill runoff could trigger major flooding.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm) at isolated places. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds up to 40 km/h are also expected.
District Magistrate Arvind Kumar Mina confirmed that relief camps have been set up and rescue operations are underway. “We are keeping a close watch. The situation could escalate if the rainfall continues,” he said.
"We are trying to rescue people with water. Relief camps have been opened in different areas. We are keeping an eye on the situation," he added.
Witnessing the worsening conditions across North Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to visit Siliguri on Monday. It is yet to be confirmed whether she will visit Cooch Behar directly.
Several other districts, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and North Dinajpur, are also bracing for heavy to very heavy rainfall. Landslides are a concern in the hill areas, while major rivers like the Teesta, Raidak, and Jaldhaka are also rising.
According to the latest weather bulletin, heavy rainfall is expected in the districts of Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. This has raised the risk of landslides in hilly areas, severe waterlogging, and inundation in flood-prone zones.
Rivers including Torsa, Teesta, Raidak, and Jaldhaka are being monitored, as water levels are expected to rise further with continued rainfall and upstream discharge. Local authorities urge residents in low-lying and riverbank areas to remain alert, avoid risky travel, and follow official advisories as the flood threat intensifies.
