Flash flood and landslide risks high: Cyclone after-effect drenches North Bengal, with red alert for three districts

The IMD forecast for Friday indicates extremely heavy rainfall and is highly likely at one or two places over Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar districts with a red alert. Heavy to very heavy rain is expected at a few places over Coochbehar and Kalimpong districts, and at one or two places over Uttar Dinajpur, with heavy rain also forecast for Dakshin Dinajpur and Malda.

Thunderstorms with gusty wind and lightning will accompany rain across all of the region’s districts.

A man rides a bicycle under an umbrella amid cloudy skies caused by a depression over the Bay of Bengal, as an impact of cyclonic storm Montha, in Nadia district, West Bengal, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (PTI Photo)

In view of the alert and a risk of landslides, the GTA administration urged all residents of Darjeeling district and adjoining hill areas to stay vigilant and strictly adhere to safety advisories.

The weather is expected to ease gradually over the weekend. On November 1 (Saturday), light to moderate rain is likely at many places, with heavy rain possible in Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Coochbehar. By November 2, rain will reduce further, and from November 3 to 6, the IMD forecasts mainly dry weather.

Authorities have warned of significant potential risks, including landslides in the hilly areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, water logging, inundation, flash floods, a rise in river water levels (Teesta, Torsa, Raidak, and Jaldhaka), and damage to roads and standing crops.

In a notice, the GTA has advised against movement in landslide-prone and water-logged areas, the judicious regulation of traffic and tourism activity, and to take shelter in a safe place during intense spells of rain. For immediate assistance, residents should utilize these helpline numbers: SDO Darjeeling Sadar – 9434058104, SDO Kalimpong – 9073936857, Darjeeling Police – 8250781118, and Darjeeling Fire & Emergency – 8908610609.