Bengal Floods: Toll Hits 36, Five of the Victims are from Nepal

SILIGURI – As floodwaters recede in North Bengal, the grim reality of the devastation is emerging, with the death toll climbing to 36. Among the deceased, five have been identified as Nepalese citizens. The relentless downpour that triggered landslides and flooding in the region has left communities shattered and many still missing.

The districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar have borne the brunt of the disaster, with Mirik being one of the worst-hit areas. Continuous rainfall, exceeding 300 mm in just 12 hours on Saturday night, caused unprecedented flooding across the North Bengal plains and hills. Landslides swept away homes, severed road links, and isolated villages, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, after arriving in North Bengal to assess the damage, announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for the family of each deceased victim. Additionally, she offered a job as a special home guard to one member of the bereaved families. Visiting Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri district, Banerjee assured swift restoration of disrupted infrastructure, particularly the crucial bridge over the Balason River that connects Mirik.

Banerjee has characterized the floods as "man-made", blaming the Centre for failing to manage the discharge from dams and also citing "unrestricted" release of water from the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). She also pointed to the need for an Indo-Bhutan River Commission, stating that excess water release from Bhutan and Sikkim contributed to the crisis.

Rescue operations, spearheaded by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are ongoing across multiple sites. Heavy earth-moving machinery is being utilized to locate individuals feared trapped under debris. Stranded tourists are being evacuated via special buses at the state's expense, and community kitchens have been established to provide food. The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has temporarily closed all tourist spots.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for the region, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall. While a reduction in rainfall is expected, the risk of fresh landslides remains high due to saturated soil.

Amidst the crisis, a political dispute has erupted between the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP. BJP MP Khagen Murmu sustained serious injuries after being attacked by locals during a visit to Nagrakata. Chief Minister Banerjee has accused Prime Minister Modi of politicizing the natural disaster, while the BJP has condemned the attack and criticized the state's law and order situation.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has also launched relief operations, distributing food, water, blankets, and medicines to affected families in various districts.

As North Bengal grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, focus remains on providing immediate relief to those affected and undertaking long-term measures to prevent future disasters.