Teesta is one of the major rivers of the state, and Jalpaiguri district is in the floodplain of this river. A barrage across the river was built at Gajoldoba in the district. Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts in the northern part of West Bengal share borders with Sikkim where rain-triggered landslides left a trail of destruction and six dead people on Thursday.

“The water of Teesta is rising because of the release of water from barrages in Sikkim. Teesta is coming down with great speed and an alert has been issued in this regard. We have taken all precautionary measures. Leaves of all the officials have been cancelled,” the official said.

“In several places, Teesta is almost getting into townships. So much water is coming down from the mountain that it is not possible for the barrage to stop that. As a result, plain lands will be affected. Irrigation department officials have been sent for on-site inspection,” he added.

When contacted, an official of the Jalpaiguri Sadar Sub-Divisional office said the alert has been sounded in all blocks. “Everything from boats to rescue equipment has been kept ready. Residents have been asked to leave river banks,” he added.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Thursday said that heavy rains are likely to continue in north Bengal till Tuesday. The weather department has issued a red alert in five districts — Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar — and warned of heavy to very heavy rain in north Bengal.

The Met Office also stated that several parts of southern Bengal are expected to witness rain and thunderstorms. However, heatwave conditions are likely to persist in seven districts — Paschim Medinipur, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, and Birbhum — till next week .