Flash Floods Wreak Havoc in Western Dooars: Thousands Displaced, Rail Operations Halted

Flash floods that caused damage in many locations were triggered by torrential monsoonal rain that fell since Sunday night in certain portions of the western Dooars in the Jalpaiguri district and in the nearby Bhutan highlands.

In the Banarhat, Nagrakata, and Malbazar blocks of Jalpaiguri, river and stream water levels rose. Around 5,000 residents were compelled to relocate to safer regions as a result of these flooding residential and commercial sectors in Banarhat, damaging roads, bridges, and buildings.

Due to two rain cuts along the rail lines at the Diana River Bridge and a cave-in not far from Banarhat Station, the deluge forced the railway authorities to suspend train operations on the Dooars (Siliguri Junction-Alipurduar Junction) route for around 12 hours.

Around 12.40 a.m., Northeast Frontier Railway officials halted the trains from moving. Since early this morning, repairs have been made. Train traffic along the line resumed at midday.
at the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 am on Monday, Diana experienced 320mm of rain, followed by Jhalong (300mm), Banarhat (270mm), Neora (250mm), Malbazar (220mm), and Nagrakata (190mm), according to sources at the regional Met office in Calcutta.

More rain is expected over the next two to three days, according to a weather expert.

On Sunday night in Banarhat, the Hatinala, a creek that runs through the neighborhood, began to rise. Hundreds of homes, businesses, and godowns were flooded by the stream as it overflowed its banks in places like Kshudirampally, Mahabirbusty, the Banarhat I and II colonies, the neighborhood market, and the block hospital.

Additionally, it flooded Binnaguri's neighboring SM Colony and Netajipara. The Banarhat-Chamurchi route, which links Bhutan and NH31, was also inundated by the rain.

"We moved people to various schools and other locations when water began to reach the areas. Food and other supplies have been given to the afflicted households, according to Banarhat-I panchayat deputy chief Kutti Nandi.

Numerous objects kept in godowns and stores were harmed by the water. The Banarhat Byabsayee Samiti has lost close to Rs 4 crore, according to Subir Das, secretary of the organization.

"The abrupt flood caused losses for at least 200 local business owners. Their businesses and storage spaces were flooded," said Das.

Numerous tea gardens in the vicinity were also inundated as a result of the heavy rain. According to Sanjoy Bagchi, secretary of the Indian Tea Association's Dooars chapter, gardens including Lakhipara, Rheabari, Moraghat, Palashbari, Totapara, Mogolkata, and Chamurchi have reported similar flooding.

Banarhat locals who were impacted by the flooding stated they were forced to flee for safer locations with just the bare necessities since the water wrecked their houses' furnishings and technological equipment.

The Jalpaiguri district magistrate, Moumita Godara Basu, visited the affected regions later in the day to assess the situation.

"Hatinala's water levels have begun to drop. A watchful eye has been requested from the irrigation department. The management of the block is assisting individuals. There still has to be a loss assessment, the speaker stated.

On Sunday night, a scenario like a flood was seen in the adjoining Nagrakata district as well as in Banarhat. Rain also raised the level of the nearby Sukhani creek, which had begun to flow over a bridge connecting Manmohandhura and Nagrakata.

Locals in Malbazar block claim that the Sukhajhora local stream washed away a hutment and a culvert that links Malbazar with a section of the Nidam tea estate. The tea garden was partially under water.