Kolkata, Aug 11 (IANS) Although the weather improved in north Bengal, heavy landslides occurred on a busy road in Darjeeling district, causing great inconvenience to the people. On Monday morning, a heavy landslide occurred on the important hill road from Jorebungalow to Teesta Bazar via Peshok. A part of the road has practically disappeared at the moment. As a result, traffic movement on the Darjeeling-Teesta route was disrupted till Tuesday.

Vehicles ply between Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Gangtok in Sikkim on this route. Due to this, public life has also been affected considerably.

Many passenger and goods vehicles were stuck. On receiving the news of the incident, officials of the Public Works Department and the local administration reached the spot with rescue teams.

Road clearing work started on a war footing. Arrangements have been made for one-way traffic to avoid danger until the road is repaired. Police and rescue workers are trying to move the stuck vehicles in a controlled manner. Goods trucks have been advised to use alternative routes.

Meanwhile, the ’20th Mile’ area has been opened for light vehicles after almost a month. The roads in the area have been opened since Monday morning.

Residents of Bardang and Singtam in neighbouring Sikkim have found relief in such a move. The daily lives of the residents of Bardang, Singtam, Rangpo and adjacent areas were severely disrupted due to the long-standing road closure.

Meanwhile, a low pressure area is forming again in Bay of Bengal, which will bring more rain across south and north Bengal for the next few days. The Met office said that due to its influence, there is a possibility of heavy rain in several districts from mid-week. The sea will remain rough, therefore, fishermen have also been banned from going to sea from today, Tuesday to next Friday.

Today, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and thundershowers in many places in all districts of south Bengal.

On Wednesday, the amount of rain will increase further. Light to moderate rain will occur in most districts of south Bengal on that day. On Thursday, rain is likely to occur in all districts of south Bengal with heavy rain predicted at one or two places in South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore districts.

The same situation will continue on Friday, August 14. There is a possibility of heavy rain at one or two places in South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore and West Midnapore districts.

At the same time, the rain will continue in the north as well. On Wednesday, there will be rain in most areas of North Bengal. Among them, heavy rain is likely at one or two places in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts.

On August 13 and 14, i.e. Thursday and Friday, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and thundershowers at most areas in all districts of north Bengal.

Meanwhile, the maximum temperature of the day in Kolkata and its surrounding areas on Monday was 33.02 degrees Celsius which is 00.08 degrees higher than normal. The minimum temperature was 27.07 degrees Celsius which is 00.09 degrees higher than normal.

–IANS

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