Kolkata, Nov 1 (NationPress) The threat of a new flood is increasingly concerning in north Bengal, as persistent rainfall over the past two days, attributed to the remnants of Cyclone Montha, has led to river water levels exceeding the danger threshold. This situation has ignited fears of additional flooding and landslides in the hilly regions.

Reports indicate that the under-construction dam on the Shisamara River has been compromised by inflow from Bhutan, resulting in floods in several areas of Shalkumar 1 and Shalkumar 2 gram panchayats. Approximately 200 individuals have evacuated their residences and sought refuge in the local Lalturam High School. The gram panchayat has arranged for their accommodation and provisions.

Subhash Roy, the head of Shalkumar 1 Gram Panchayat, informed reporters: "The dam on the Shisamara River, which was constructed as an emergency measure, has failed, allowing water to inundate various localities, including Notun Para and Munshipara in Shalkumar. We have evacuated between 200 to 250 families to the nearby Notun Para Lalturam High School. Efforts are underway to rescue livestock and valuables from homes. If water levels continue to rise, the situation could escalate dramatically."

Personnel from the State Disaster Management Department have been deployed to Shalkumar, with the district council actively monitoring the developments. Officials are utilizing loudspeakers to facilitate evacuations from low-lying areas. It is important to note that Shalkumar 1 and Shalkumar 2 gram panchayat regions of Alipurduar district experienced severe damage during the flooding and landslides of October 5, which were triggered by heavy overnight rainfall.

In a related incident, the approach road to the Birpara Gerganda Bridge on Asian Highway-48 in Birpara has also collapsed, resulting in traffic congestion affecting routes from Northeast India and Bhutan to Siliguri, West Bengal.

According to data from the Met Department, Jalpaiguri district has recorded approximately 170 mm of rainfall since Friday. Consequently, water is being released from the Teesta barrage, causing panic among residents in the Teestapar area. However, personnel from the Irrigation Department are continuously monitoring the situation. Rainfall is also being reported in the Darjeeling district. Forecasts predict the possibility of heavy rain in Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar districts later today, while light to moderate rainfall is expected to persist in North Bengal on Sunday. A shift in weather patterns is anticipated starting Monday.