Kolkata, June 28 (IANS) Heavy rain over the last few days has affected normal life in the north Bengal hills, with a large number of tourists stranded in several hill stations. Road connectivity with the plains has been snapped in several places due to landslides.

Following incessant rainfall, various areas of Alipurduar district have been submerged. At the same time, continuous rain has increased the water level in the Torsa River in Cooch Behar district. Meanwhile, traffic has come to a halt on Falakata Road in Alipurduar.

According to administrative officials, a landslide occurred in Mirik on Sunday morning following continuous overnight rain. Work to clear the debris began swiftly. On the other hand, various areas of Alipurduar town have been inundated due to the relentless downpour. Water has accumulated in several areas, including Wards 1, 4, 5, 8 and 9. The sluice gates have been closed because of the rising water levels in the Dima and Kaljani rivers. As a result, water from the town is unable to drain out.

The situation in Cooch Behar is also grim. The water level in the Torsa River has risen due to continuous rainfall. The Madhupur area under Cooch Behar Block II has turned into a flood-affected zone. Sukumar Roy, BJP MLA from the Cooch Behar Uttar Assembly constituency, visited the area on Sunday to take stock of the situation.

The administration is closely monitoring the weather situation and making arrangements to assist people in distress. Relief materials have been stocked at BDO offices, while civil defence personnel have been kept on high alert.

It is worth noting that a red alert for heavy rain has been issued in north Bengal till Monday. According to the forecast, the districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar may receive up to 200 millimetres of rainfall. An orange alert is in force in North Dinajpur district. Similar alerts for thunderstorms and rain have also been issued for South Dinajpur and Malda districts. A yellow alert for heavy rain remains in place in the remaining districts.

Due to the continuous rainfall, a large number of tourists are stranded in the hill stations of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Mirik. Landslides have forced them to take detours and remain in hotels until roads are cleared. In view of the inclement weather, several hotel booking cancellations have also been reported across many areas.

–IANS

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