Heavy rainfall since Wednesday night has disrupted normal life across large parts of North Bengal and neighbouring Sikkim, inundating low-lying areas, and triggering landslides, prompting authorities to intensify restoration work.
Malda district has emerged as the worst-affected regions, as relentless rain submerged vast areas. Several low-lying localities in Gazole, Harishchandrapur, Tulsihata, Bulbulchandi and Kendua were inundated, while floodwater submerged portions of National Highway-512 and a state highway.
In Gazole, large parts of the town got completely submerged as rain continued unabated till the filing of this report.
In Jalpaiguri district, low-lying areas under the Binnaguri Gram Panchayat were also inundated following incessant rainfall.
A landslide near Sevoke on the outskirts of Siliguri brought down trees, temporarily affecting vehicular movement. Another major landslide occurred on National Highway-10 near Kalimpong, disrupting traffic between Siliguri and Sikkim.
In Darjeeling district, several houses in Tungsoong village suffered extensive damage in rain-triggered landslides.
Heavy rain also affected several parts of Sikkim, where ministers and senior government officials visited damaged areas to assess the situation and oversee restoration work.
State Minister Puran Kumar Gurung inspected the monsoon-damaged Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) road in Chujachen constituency and reviewed restoration work. He said damaged stretches would be repaired on priority, while protective fencing along riverbanks would be taken up later.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) has announced temporary traffic restrictions on National Highway-10 to facilitate emergency repairs. A stretch of the highway at 20th Mile near Bardang, close to ATTC College, will remain closed to all vehicles from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. on July 11, 12 and 13.
During the closure, motorists travelling between Siliguri and Gangtok have been advised to use NH-717A via Rangpo, Rorathang, Pakyong and Ranipool.
Light motor vehicles travelling between Singtam and Rangpo have been advised to take the Duga-Pendam Road. District authorities have been asked to ensure smooth traffic management along the diversion routes.