Death toll rises to 23 after rain, landslides in North Bengal’s hills; rescue effort for 13

The death toll from one of the region’s worst landslides in a decade has climbed to 23, following relentless rain in North Bengal’s hills since Saturday night. The hills have begun to return to normal, as rainfall significantly subsides across the plains, including the Dooars.

The reduction in rainfall, with some areas reporting no rain since Sunday afternoon, has led to a significant drop in the water level of North Bengal’s rivers. However, officials fear a resurgence of rain in the Bhutan hills could trigger another rise in river levels.

The torrential rains caused widespread devastation in the plains and the Dooars region, where several bridges collapsed under the force of the water flow.

The wooden bridge over the John Halong River leading to the Jaldapara Tourist Lodge was washed