Cyclone Montha has unleashed heavy rain across North Bengal and Sikkim, prompting authorities to suspend Sandakphu travel permits and ban trekking from Manebhanjan as fears of landslides and floods mount.
From Darjeeling to Jalpaiguri, downpours since Thursday night have disrupted life in both hill and plain districts. Although Montha has weakened into a deep depression, the Meteorological Department predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall across the mountains through Friday and Saturday, heightening the risk of landslides and overflowing rivers.
A red alert has been issued for several districts of North Bengal, while Sikkim faces the added possibility of snowfall at higher elevations. The administration has ordered the closure of parks and adventure-sport activities; rafting, cycling and paragliding have been suspended indefinitely.
“The alarming weather forecast has prompted administrations across the northern districts to take immediate precautionary measures. District administrations in North Bengal have suspended all adventure and outdoor sports, including trekking, rafting, cycling, and paragliding, for an indefinite period. Helpline numbers have been launched at the block level from Uttarkanya, the state secretariat in North Bengal, to ensure immediate response to emergencies,” said a government official.
“The state administration has decided to close all parks and adventure sports for public safety,” said Dawa Galpo Sherpa, Field Director of Adventure Tourism under the GTA. Microphone announcements have begun in landslide-prone villages and along riverbanks to warn residents of potential danger.
Also read: Mamata orders swift repair of flood-hit schools in North Bengal
The Disaster Management Office at Uttarkanya is operating round the clock, and Nabanna has instructed control room staff to remain on high alert. “The Meteorological Department has predicted disaster in the districts of North Bengal due to Cyclone Montha’s impact. Preparations have already been made to deal with the situation. Teams from Public Works, Electricity, Irrigation, Public Health, Engineering, Health, Police, and Civil Defense have been asked to remain alert,” said a deputy secretary at Uttarkanya.
Earth movers and quick-response teams have been deployed in vulnerable hill zones, rescue vans are on standby in the plains, and satellite phones and police radio sets have been readied to maintain communication with remote areas. Evacuations are under way in several riverbank settlements amid fears that the Teesta, Jaldhaka and other rivers may breach their banks. Schools along the Teesta have been converted into relief centres.
Jalpaiguri Regional Meteorological Office recorded 99.2 mm at Mainaguri, 64.8 mm at Darjeeling, 75.0 mm at Sevoke, 103.5 mm at Banarhat, 82.4 mm at Buxadwar (Alipurduar) and 73.6 mm at Murti in the past 24 hours. Sikkim’s weather office attributed the severe conditions to Cyclone Montha interacting with a western disturbance.
Officials stressed that preparations are in place to meet any emergency arising from the storm’s impact.
Follow us
