Road connectivity between Darjeeling, Sikkim, and the rest of the country has been completely cut off. With the tourist season underway, more than 2,000 tourists are stranded across Darjeeling and Sikkim. Rescue operations are underway but are being hampered by persistent rain and road blockages.
The West Bengal government has issued a red alert in five districts, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Kalimpong, and Alipurduar. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to visit the affected areas on Monday to review relief efforts.
Authorities in Manali have temporarily suspended traffic movement through Rohtang Pass following heavy snowfall and slippery road conditions.
DSP Manali KD Sharma said, "Police personnel are deployed along the Manali-Rohtang route, but due to the risk of accidents, the road has been closed for all vehicles until conditions improve."
Early snowfall in Himachal Pradesh
The first snowfall of the season was recorded across Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti, Manali, Chamba, and Dhauladhar ranges, nearly 20 days earlier than usual. The Western Disturbance has caused temperatures to drop by up to four degrees Celsius in several hill districts.
The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi, warning of heavy rain and winds reaching 50 kmph on Monday.
Highways, railways, and bridges damaged
The National Highway connecting Darjeeling and Kurseong has been washed away. An iron bridge near Mirik and Dudhia has also collapsed, cutting off the alternative route from Darjeeling to Siliguri.
Three trains have been cancelled after railway tracks were submerged in Alipurduar. Several tea gardens in Darjeeling and Kalimpong remain waterlogged, severely affecting operations.
Local residents reported that nearly 16 inches of rainfall occurred within 24 hours, the heaviest since 1998.
"Rescue teams are struggling to reach interior areas due to landslides and flooding," said Mithun Sarkar, a resident of Jaldapara. "We have been trying to rescue people ourselves until help arrives."
Landslide in Darjeeling: Kills 24, several people missing
Digital Desk
Road connectivity between Darjeeling, Sikkim, and the rest of the country has been completely cut off. With the tourist season underway, more than 2,000 tourists are stranded across Darjeeling and Sikkim. Rescue operations are underway but are being hampered by persistent rain and road blockages.
The West Bengal government has issued a red alert in five districts, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Kalimpong, and Alipurduar. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to visit the affected areas on Monday to review relief efforts.
Authorities in Manali have temporarily suspended traffic movement through Rohtang Pass following heavy snowfall and slippery road conditions.
DSP Manali KD Sharma said, "Police personnel are deployed along the Manali-Rohtang route, but due to the risk of accidents, the road has been closed for all vehicles until conditions improve."
Early snowfall in Himachal Pradesh
The first snowfall of the season was recorded across Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti, Manali, Chamba, and Dhauladhar ranges, nearly 20 days earlier than usual. The Western Disturbance has caused temperatures to drop by up to four degrees Celsius in several hill districts.
The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi, warning of heavy rain and winds reaching 50 kmph on Monday.
Highways, railways, and bridges damaged
The National Highway connecting Darjeeling and Kurseong has been washed away. An iron bridge near Mirik and Dudhia has also collapsed, cutting off the alternative route from Darjeeling to Siliguri.
Three trains have been cancelled after railway tracks were submerged in Alipurduar. Several tea gardens in Darjeeling and Kalimpong remain waterlogged, severely affecting operations.
Local residents reported that nearly 16 inches of rainfall occurred within 24 hours, the heaviest since 1998.
"Rescue teams are struggling to reach interior areas due to landslides and flooding," said Mithun Sarkar, a resident of Jaldapara. "We have been trying to rescue people ourselves until help arrives."
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