Heavy rainfall in West Bengal has led to the Teesta River overflowing its banks, creating a flood-like situation in Jalpaiguri district. Nearly 5,000 residents across several villages have been directly affected as rising waters entered homes, fields, and public areas. Families have been forced to evacuate their homes and seek shelter in temporary relief camps set up by the district administration.
Local authorities confirmed that multiple low-lying areas in Jalpaiguri were inundated overnight as the water level of the Teesta River rose sharply. Villages situated near the river banks were the worst affected, with agricultural lands submerged, roads cut off, and several houses damaged by the gushing waters. The sudden flooding has severely disrupted normal life, causing anxiety among the local population.
Rescue teams, including personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been deployed to assist stranded villagers. Boats are being used to evacuate people from marooned areas and shift them to safer shelters. Relief camps have been equipped with food supplies, drinking water, and basic medical care. Special attention is being given to children, women, and the elderly in the camps.
The district administration has also mobilized health teams to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases, which often follow such natural disasters. Temporary medical facilities are being set up to monitor and treat flood-affected families. Livestock, an important source of livelihood in the region, has also been affected, with many animals swept away or stranded in submerged fields.
Transportation has taken a major hit, with roads in several parts of Jalpaiguri blocked due to waterlogging and erosion. Communication in some interior areas has also been cut off, making rescue efforts more challenging. Farmers have expressed concern over the loss of standing crops, which they fear will worsen their economic hardship in the coming months.
Meteorological officials have reported that the region is likely to receive more rainfall over the next few days. This has raised fresh concerns about further swelling of the Teesta River and additional flooding in surrounding districts. Residents have been advised to avoid venturing into flooded areas and to shift to designated shelters immediately if water levels continue to rise.
The state government has assured that all possible assistance will be provided to the affected families. Emergency funds have been allocated for immediate relief measures, and senior officials are monitoring the situation closely. Teams have also been instructed to remain on high alert and respond quickly to any worsening conditions.
Flooding caused by the Teesta River is not new to Jalpaiguri, which lies in a flood-prone zone. Every monsoon season, heavy rainfall combined with river overflow poses a recurring threat to the region. Experts highlight the need for long-term flood management solutions, including stronger embankments, improved drainage systems, and early warning mechanisms to reduce the scale of future damage.
For now, the priority remains the safety and well-being of the displaced residents. Rescue and relief operations continue round-the-clock, as officials strive to restore normalcy in the flood-hit villages of Jalpaiguri.
