Darjeeling’s struggle with deadly landslides has been compounded by a flood alert from neighbouring Bhutan, which warned that the Wangchu river had breached a dam and could surge downstream into Bengal.
The warning, issued by Bhutan’s National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology in Thimphu, follows the failure of gates at the Tala Hydropower Dam. With river water already overflowing the structure, authorities urged West Bengal to “prepare for eventualities” as the river flows southwards into Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar before entering Bangladesh.
“Information received from Druk Green Power Corporation suggests the Tala Hydropower Dam gates failed to open and river water is overflowing the dam,” the hydrology centre said. “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.”
Several low-lying areas in Jalpaiguri have already been inundated after days of incessant rain, worsening the threat posed by the possible surge. Cooch Behar too has been receiving heavy downpours, raising the risk of flooding across the north Bengal plains.
Also read: Murmu, Modi mourn deaths in Darjeeling rains
The flood warning comes as Darjeeling reels from the devastation of continuous rainfall that triggered multiple landslides, destroyed homes, washed away bridges and cut off roads leading to Sikkim. At least 17 people have died, with rescue teams racing against time to clear debris, restore connectivity and evacuate stranded tourists and residents.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families who lost loved ones 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 said in a post on X.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to visit Darjeeling on Monday to review the damage and relief measures. The state administration has been placed on high alert following Bhutan’s advisory.
Darjeeling’s vulnerability to monsoon-triggered landslides has long been documented, with deforestation, fragile slopes and unchecked development deepening the risks. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying rainfall patterns across the eastern Himalayas, making such disasters more frequent and destructive.
As the twin challenges of landslides in the hills and potential flooding in the plains mount, north Bengal finds itself bracing for another round of disruption.
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