Landslides, Flood Threats, And Chaos—What’s Happening In North Bengal Right Now

Following torrential rainfall over the weekend, devastating landslides and severe flooding have struck West Bengal's Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Jalpaiguri districts. As of October 6, 2025, catastrophic floods and landslides in West Bengal's Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts have resulted in a rising death toll and extensive devastation.

Continuous, extremely heavy rainfall triggered floods and landslides, cutting off crucial road links, collapsing bridges, and stranding thousands of tourists. The disaster has caused significant loss of life, destroyed infrastructure. The floods and landslides have also cut off Sikkim, which depends on the region's main road networks for connectivity. The situation has been exacerbated by the overflow of a dam in neighbouring Bhutan.

The Devastation Caused By Rain

The latest reports suggest at least 23 deaths due to the landslides, with fears that the number could rise as rescue operations continue in remote areas. Thirteen bodies were recovered from the Mirik area alone. Roads have caved in, homes have been washed away, and numerous bridges—including the critical Dudhia iron bridge—have collapsed. The landslides have severed road connectivity to Sikkim, with National Highway 10 blocked by debris.

Bhutan Dam Overflow

On October 5, Bhutan's Tala Hydropower Dam began to overflow due to a technical glitch where its gates failed to open. This has caused the Wangchu River to spill over the structure and has put the Dooars region of northern West Bengal on high alert for flooding. In Alipurduar, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is on high alert. According to reports from the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) in Bhutan, the spillway gates at the Tala dam could not be opened. A report by The Bhutanese newspaper noted that a power failure at the dam prevented the remaining gates from opening after the river level rose. North Bengal is already reeling from torrential rains (over 300 mm in some spots in 12 hours), which have triggered nearly 100 landslides in the Darjeeling district. The dam overflow adds to this deluge, potentially worsening inundation and infrastructure damage.

The NDRF is conducting intensive rescue and relief operations, with teams deployed to assist the stranded. The West Bengal government and local administrations have mobilised rescue operations and are working to evacuate tourists. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee formed a high-power committee and advised tourists to stay put until they can be evacuated safely.

Behind The Disaster

The region experienced extremely heavy rainfall, with Darjeeling recording 270 mm and Jalpaiguri receiving over 300 mm within a 24-hour period. This sudden, intense precipitation saturated the soil and triggered the landslides.

Several local citizens, environmentalists, and officials also note that poorly planned urbanisation and excessive construction projects in the geologically fragile, mountainous terrain has exacerbated the natural calamity. Construction has often ignored "jhoras" (natural water outlets), adding to the problem.

Potential Impact On West Bengal

The overflow of the Tala dam poses a severe risk of flash floods in the Dooars region of northern West Bengal, as the Wangchu river flows southwards into the Torsa river basin. The overflowing water threatens low-lying areas in the districts of Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar. The areas immediately bordering Bhutan, including Toto Para, Hasimara, and Madarihat, are at particularly high risk. There are fears that a large-scale collapse of the dam could wipe out entire communities, including the village of Toto Para.

Meanwhile, Bhutan has formally alerted the West Bengal government to the potential impact. In response, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been placed on the highest alert level in Alipurduar, and additional rescue teams have been deployed. 

Transport Updates

Multiple routes are completely blocked, including the main highway to Sikkim, and alternative routes are severely affected. 

Road Transport

National Highway 10 (NH10): This crucial highway connecting Sikkim and Kalimpong with West Bengal was completely closed due to numerous landslides and washouts. While a limited number of vehicles reportedly resumed along the freshly cleared highway in the evening, travellers should not rely on this route.

Roads blocked: Many other key routes remain impassable due to landslides and road collapses.

• Mirik to Siliguri: The Dudhia iron bridge, the sole road link, has collapsed, isolating Mirik from Siliguri. Travellers must take a detour via Ghoom and Kurseong on NH110.

• Darjeeling to Siliguri: The main road connecting the two is blocked at Dilaram and Whitsel Khola, and the Rohini road has been severely damaged.

• Kalimpong routes: Travellers have been looking for alternative routes to Kolkata via Lava and Gorubathan as NH10 is closed.

• Other hill routes: Landslides and washouts have blocked routes in many other areas, including 29 Mile, Kali Jhora, Likhuveer, and Bhalu Khola.

Rail Services

Heavy rainfall and flooding in North Bengal have led to extensive train cancellations, diversions, and short-terminations. A long list of trains has been affected, including express, intercity, and local services to and from Siliguri Junction, Alipurduar Junction, and New Coochbehar. All services on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or the 'Toy Train', have been suspended until further notice. 

Air Travel

While Bagdogra Airport is reportedly functional, connecting to and from the airport by road is extremely difficult. Many tourists who missed their flights due to road closures are stuck in Siliguri or the affected hill regions. 

Travel Advisories

Postpone non-essential travel: Both tourists and locals are advised to postpone non-essential travel to the affected areas.

Tourists are stranded: Tourists who are currently in the hills are advised to stay put and cooperate with local authorities until they can be safely evacuated.

Dooars on flood alert: With a technical malfunction at Bhutan's Tala Hydropower Dam causing an overflow, an additional flood threat exists for the Dooars region, including parts of Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar.

Relief and rescue efforts: Rescue teams are working to clear roads and assist stranded individuals, but the ongoing rain is hampering efforts.

FAQs

How has infrastructure been affected?
Key infrastructure is badly damaged, with landslides blocking numerous roads, including National Highway 10. Several bridges have also collapsed, isolating some areas. 

Is there an additional flood risk?
Yes, a technical malfunction at Bhutan's Tala Hydropower Dam is causing it to overflow, creating a severe flash flood threat for the downstream Dooars region in West Bengal. 

What dangers do residents face from the Bhutan dam overflow?

The overflow from Bhutan's Tala Hydropower Dam puts residents in the downstream Dooars region at risk of flash floods. This adds another layer of danger, as authorities worry that a full dam breach could be catastrophic for local communities.

What is the status of tourists?
Thousands of tourists are currently stranded due to impassable roads. They have been advised to stay put until evacuation is possible. 

How is the government responding?
Rescue and relief operations are underway by NDRF and other teams, but efforts are challenged by continuous rainfall and blocked roads.