Is North Bengal Moving Towards Normalcy After Recent Floods?
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Synopsis
Kolkata witnesses a glimmer of hope as North Bengal's flood and landslide aftermath shows signs of recovery. Despite no new casualties reported, the road to normalcy is challenging, especially for schools in the region. What does this mean for the community's future? Join us as we explore the latest developments.
Key Takeaways
- No new casualties reported in the last 24 hours.
- Restoration of infrastructure is gaining momentum.
- Electricity connections are being partially restored.
- 18 schools have been damaged, affecting education.
- Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee plans another visit to the region.
Kolkata, Oct 10 (NationPress) The conditions in the flood and landslide-affected regions of North Bengal have shown signs of improvement over the past 24 hours, with no new casualties reported during this time.
The confirmed death toll as of Thursday morning stood at 39, according to data gathered by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri, and this figure remained unchanged by Friday morning.
Efforts to restore essential infrastructure have accelerated in the last day. The completion of numerous road repairs in the hills has enhanced accessibility to these areas. Additionally, although not entirely restored, electricity services have been reestablished to a significant degree.
Nonetheless, the timeline for the resumption of normal academic activities in the hill schools remains uncertain, as many institutions have suffered extensive damage from the flooding and landslides.
Initial assessments indicate that around 18 schools in the Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong regions have experienced full or partial damage, leaving the timeline for their reopening still unclear.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to return to North Bengal on October 13, with her visit focusing exclusively on the hills. Her previous trip earlier this week primarily covered the plains.
The provisional assessment of damage to state property in the hill districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong due to the natural disasters has been estimated at Rs 10.62 crore.
However, this figure is provisional, and a more accurate assessment of the damage to public property in these two districts will be available later.
The loss assessment for the districts of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar, which include the Terai and Dooars regions, is still pending. Once completed, the total state property damage across all four districts will be significantly higher.
According to the loss details compiled by district authorities in Darjeeling and Kalimpong on Thursday, damages stemmed from the destruction and impairment of roads, culverts, and water tanks, among other infrastructure.
The areas most affected by road damage in the hills include Pedong, Lava, Gorubathan, and Kalimpong.
Point of View
My perspective on the recent events in North Bengal underscores the resilience of the affected communities. While the situation is evolving, it is crucial to recognize the challenges that lie ahead, particularly in restoring educational facilities and infrastructure. Our commitment to delivering accurate and timely information remains paramount during this recovery phase.
NationPress
11/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation in North Bengal?
The situation is improving, with no new casualties reported, but many schools and infrastructure remain damaged.
How many schools are affected?
Approximately 18 schools in the Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong areas have been fully or partially damaged.
When will electricity be fully restored?
Electricity restoration is ongoing, but full service has not yet been achieved.
What is the estimated damage to state property?
The provisional estimate of damage in Darjeeling and Kalimpong is around Rs 10.62 crore.
What areas were most impacted by road damage?
The blocks most affected include Pedong, Lava, Gorubathan, and Kalimpong.
