As rains battered multiple districts of West Bengal, one casualty was reported on Friday (June 19, 2026) from Alipurduar. Landslides and flooding battered life in north Bengal. A cardinal bridge in north Bengal, between Mirik and Darjeeling, was washed away due to heavy rain and flooding.
The water levels were on the rise in the Teesta River as north Bengal remained on flood watch, and Kolkata and its surrounding areas battled waterlogging and traffic disruptions.
“Major damage was where a bridge was washed out... a similar incident happened in 2025 in Dudhia... rains can damage bridges because of the heavy force of the gushing water from the mountains, there is massive water pressure. But a bridge that was constructed 7-8 months back was completely washed away... if there was any cut money or the quality was maintained during construction, we will look into it, but for now, we need to restore normalcy as our first priority,” Mr Adhikari said.
Locals and security personnel gather at the site after the temporary hume pipe bridge at Dudhia on the Balasan River was washed away due to heavy rainfall, in Darjeeling on June 19, 2026 | Photo Credit: ANI
The original Dudhia bridge was completely damaged in the massive rains and flashfloods of north Bengal in October 2025, which cut off connection for days. A temporary bridge was constructed in its place right beside the broken bridge, which was washed away on Friday (June 19, 2026).
This has led to major traffic diversions for locals and tourists. The CM said that it will take the Public Works Department four to five days to complete the diversion work, depending on the weather conditions.
Mr Adhikari said that one death of a 4-year-old child was reported from a tea estate in Alipurduar. The government announced ₹4 lakh compensation for the minor victim’s family.
The Teesta River is running slightly above danger level in the Cooch Behar district, and landslides were reported on National Highway 10, but were cleared within a few hours, authorities said on Friday (June 19, 2026).
The CM also said that authorities have cleared out debris from most landslides.
Authorities assured that both Central and State authorities, including the disaster management department, MLAs, MPs, are on a constant watch.
Parts of north Bengal are on red and orange alert as incessant rain continued.
Some of the major areas in Kolkata and surrounding areas, like C.R. Avenue, Behala, Ballygunge, Salt Lake, Sector V, Dum Dum, etc., suffered from severe waterlogging.
The rains started early on Friday (June 19, 2026) and disrupted normal life; schools shut down, traffic slowed down and caused massive difficulties for commuters. Waterlogging was also reported from parts of the Alipur Zoo, Minister Agnimitra Paul visited the area.
Patients and medical staff also faced a major crisis after waterlogging was reported from inside the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital premises.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation control room was set in action to manage the situation in the city.
The rains are likely to increase during the weekend, and rains may continue till Tuesday (June 23), the India Meteorological Department said. Parts of Kolkata and south Bengal were on orange and yellow alert.
Published - June 19, 2026 11:37 pm IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
