Several Dead, Iron Bridge Collapses Amid Heavy Rain in West Bengal’s Darjeeling

Heavy rains and landslides in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district on Sunday have led to multiple fatalities and significant infrastructure damage, including the collapse of an iron bridge.

The iron bridge over the Balason River at Dudhia, connecting Siliguri and Mirik, gave way due to excessive rainfall, halting traffic in the region, according to India Today.

Casualties and Damage
BJP leader and Darjeeling MP Raju Bista confirmed several deaths and property losses, with local reports indicating that at least six people have died in Mirik due to landslides. Expressing his concern, Bista wrote on X:

“I am extremely anguished to learn about the massive damages caused due to extremely heavy rainfall in many parts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. There have been deaths, loss of properties, and damages to the infrastructure. I am taking stock of the situation and in touch with the relevant authorities.”

Weather Alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar on Saturday. For Sunday, a red alert remains for Alipurduar, while orange alerts for heavy rainfall are active for Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Jalpaiguri.

According to RMC Kolkata’s nowcast, extremely heavy rain warnings are in effect for Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar until 12 noon.