Landslide danger in Darjeeling and Kalimpong as heavy rain batters West Bengal

Heavy rain battered several parts of West Bengal over the past 24 hours amid a seven-day warning of severe rain, lightning strikes, and potential landslides in the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. At least eight workers were injured after a portion of a locoshed of Darjeeling railway station collapsed on Wednesday amid incessant rainfall.

The collapse of the locoshed situated beside the arterial Hill Cart Road led to significant rubble deposition onto the adjacent roadway, partially obstructing traffic movement. “A section of the historic locoshed collapsed due to torrential rain and gusty wind, injuring eight railway workers on duty… All the injured workers were transported to local medical facilities for treatment.

Medical staffers confirmed that no serious or life-threatening injuries were sustained," Darjeeling Himalayan Railway spokesperson Prateeksha Chetri was quoted as saying by PTI. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Darjeeling town recorded 37 mm of rainfall in 24 hours till 8.30 am on Wednesday.

Adjoining Kalimpong received 70 mm of rainfall in the same period. The Met said that heavy to very heavy rainfall (70–20 mm) is expected across Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong through Thursday morning, with heavy rainfall (70–110 mm) expected in Darjeeling, Malda, Alipurduar, and South Dinajpur.

High-intensity rainfall will shift toward Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and nearby areas through September 4. Isolated heavy showers will persist across the northern districts until at least September 8, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching 30 to 40 km/h.

Meanwhile, in south Bengal, Birbhum district recorded extreme rainfall, with Sriniketan receiving the state's maximum rainfall in the past 24 hours at 263 mm, leading to water-logging in various places, including in adjoining Santiniketan, which houses the Visva-Bharati.

Burnpur in Paschim Bardhaman recorded 210 mm of rainfall, while Kolkata's Alipore station registered 127 mm of rainfall, with neighbouring Barrackpore recording 120 mm and Asansol 110 mm. The other places that recorded significantly high rainfall in the last 24 hours are Tilpara Barrage (80 mm) and Bankura (60 mm), the Met said.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Kolkata said that despite the low-pressure area shifting away from Gangetic West Bengal and coastal Odisha to northeast Madhya Pradesh, an associated cyclonic circulation continues to channel heavy moisture directly into the region.

“The well-marked low-pressure area that previously lay over Gangetic West Bengal and coastal Odisha has shifted to northeast Madhya Pradesh. However, an associated cyclonic circulation and a monsoon trough stretching through Digha continue to channel heavy moisture directly into the region,” said Dr HR Biswas, a scientist at the RMC, Kolkata.

While rainfall intensity in the south districts is expected to taper off to light-to-moderate showers between September 4 and September 7, a fresh spell of heavy rain is set to return to Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Paschim Bardhaman districts by September 8.

Meanwhile, meteorologists advised people to seek safe shelter during lightning activity, avoid trees, electric poles, and open water bodies, and exercise caution as traffic movements are regulated. Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express.

With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal.

Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics.

Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage.

Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills.

Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting.

Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express.

... Read More