IMD forecasts heavy rain in North Bengal, issues landslide alert for Darjeeling and Kalimpong

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across sub-Himalayan West Bengal over the next few days, warning of possible landslides in the hilly districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

According to the IMD, extremely heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar districts between June 27 and June 29. The weather agency also cautioned that intense rain could lead to flooding in low-lying areas of the plains.

North Bengal has already witnessed widespread rainfall over the past 24 hours. The highest rainfall was recorded at the NH-31 Bridge in Jalpaiguri with 13 cm, followed by Raidak in Alipurduar with 11 cm. Newlands Tea Garden, Jhallong and Patkapara Tea Estate each received around 10 cm of rain.

The IMD has predicted that heavy rainfall will continue across the sub-Himalayan districts until June 30, increasing the risk of waterlogging and localized flooding. Residents in vulnerable hill areas have been advised to remain alert due to the possibility of landslides.

Meanwhile, several districts of south Bengal, including Purba and Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Purulia and Bankura, are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds through June 30.

Kolkata and neighbouring Salt Lake also received significant rainfall over the last 24 hours, leading to waterlogging on several roads and slowing traffic movement across parts of the city.