Heavy Rain Alert for North Bengal as Remnants of ‘Montha’ Weaken

Amitava Banerjee, MP,  31 Oct 2025 Darjeeling:The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall across several districts of North Bengal as the remnants of the severe cyclonic storm Montha move northward over central India. A ‘Red’ warning for heavy rainfall has been issued for the Darjeeling district for Friday.

The depression over southern Chhattisgarh weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area early Thursday and was located over east Vidarbha and adjoining south Chhattisgarh. The system, extending up to 7.6 km above sea level, is expected to move north toward East Madhya Pradesh and North Chhattisgarh and further weaken in the next 24 hours.

This alert follows the extensive damage caused by incessant rainfall on October 4 and 5, which triggered flash floods and landslides. The deluge left 21 people dead in the Hills and caused significant property damage.

For North Bengal, the IMD had predicted light to moderate rain or thundershowers at most places on Thursday, with heavy rain (7-11 cm) expected in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and North Dinajpur. A ‘Yellow’ warning was issued for the Hills for Thursday. Darjeeling saw overcast skies and steady drizzle throughout the day.

On Friday, rainfall is expected to intensify, with heavy to very heavy rain (7-20 cm) predicted for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar, and extremely heavy rain (over 20 cm) expected in parts of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri. A 'Red' rainfall warning has been issued for these areas. Cooch Behar, North and South Dinajpur, and Malda may also experience heavy showers, with ‘Orange’ warnings issued for these regions.

The IMD has cautioned about the possibility of waterlogging, landslides in the hills, and rising river levels in the Teesta, Torsa, Raidak, and Jaldhaka rivers. There are concerns about damage to kutcha houses, roads, and standing crops. Residents in flood and landslide-prone areas have been advised to stay alert and regulate travel in vulnerable zones.

Rainfall is expected to subside gradually from November 1, with dry weather anticipated from November 3 onward.

“Red warning for tomorrow has been issued for Darjeeling District. All are requested to stay in safe places, be alert, and contact District/Sub-Division/Block Administration for any assistance,” the Darjeeling District Magistrate posted on social media.

“We are prepared for any eventuality. All quick response teams are on standby. Warnings have been issued, and miking is being done to warn people staying near riverbanks to move to safer locations in case of heavy rains and rising water levels,” said Richard Lepcha, Sub-Divisional Officer, Darjeeling.

During the October 4 deluge, many of the Hill rivers were severely affected, with houses and homestays washed away by flash floods.

Mirik sub-division in the Darjeeling district was the worst-hit during the October 4 deluge, with 11 deaths. The Red warning for Friday has sparked renewed concern in the region, with residents fearing another similar disaster.

“It is crucial for all of us to remain alert and cautious to prevent any further incidents. Those living in landslide-prone areas are advised to move to nearby schools, community halls, or other safe shelters. If that’s not possible, please directly reach the Soureni Public Relief Centre,” stated Arun Sigchi, Executive Sabhasad from Mirik, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

Courtesy & source- Millennium Post