Rains in north Bengal, snowfall in Sikkim, FM visit cancelled
The Statesman | 1 November 2025
Moderate to heavy rainfall has been lashing the entire north Bengal region and adjoining areas — including Sikkim, Nepal, and Bhutan — since Thursday, triggered by a low-pressure system associated with the remnants of cyclone Montha.
The inclement weather disrupted several travel plans on Friday, including that of Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who was scheduled to visit Bhutan. She arrived in Siliguri on Thursday but had to return to Delhi from Bagdogra Airport on Friday morning due to poor visibility and adverse flying conditions.
During her brief stopover at Bagdogra, the Union minister was greeted by Sonam Lama, Sikkim’s minister for public health engineering, water resources, and ecclesiastical affairs. Prior to her planned visit to Bhutan, Ms Sitharaman had met Major General Vetsop Namgyel, Ambassador of Bhutan to India, in New Delhi on Thursday.
Meanwhile, higher reaches of Sikkim, including Nathu La along the Indo-China border, have started receiving heavy snowfall, extending to nearby tourist destinations such as Tsongmo (Chhanggu) Lake and Yumthang Valley. According to reports, snow clouds have also been sighted over the Annapurna Base Camp area in Nepal, affecting trekkers and tourists in the region.
The meteorological department has issued an Orange Alert for heavy rainfall, predicting precipitation between 7–20 cm across north Bengal and Sikkim through Saturday afternoon. District administrations in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri, which witnessed devastating landslides and floods earlier this month, have been placed on high alert.
With rivers in spate following two days of continuous rain, PWD engineers have been deployed to monitor the temporary bridge over the Balason river connecting Mirik with Siliguri. The old bridge collapsed earlier this month (4–5 October) during heavy downpour. Officials confirmed that the temporary bridge, constructed using hume pipes, remains functional but is being closely watched due to the rising water level.
Police personnel have been deployed at Dudhiya to regulate vehicular movement over the bridge, as heavy water flow from the Hills continues to surge through the Balason river.
According to Darjeeling district administrative officials, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are very likely to occur at several places across Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar on 1 November. The forecast for 31 October had already predicted up to 20 cm of rainfall in Darjeeling.
On 2 November, light rain or thundershowers are likely at one or two places. Authorities have also warned of a very high risk of landslides in vulnerable areas including Pulbazar, Jorebungalow, Sukiapokhri, Kurseong, and Mirik, and have urged residents to remain alert and avoid vulnerable zones.
Tragically, at least two people were killed and several others injured when a vehicle skidded off a rain-slicked road in the Darjeeling hills on Thursday evening.
While there have been no major reports of landslides or floods in the hills and plains so far, farmers in Jalpaiguri district, particularly around Dhupguri, are facing severe difficulties in harvesting ripe paddy and preparing their fields for potato cultivation due to widespread water stagnation.
As of Friday evening, the weather across north Bengal and Sikkim remained cloudy, with temperatures hovering around 16°C (61°F). Intermittent rain is expected to continue through the night and into Saturday, keeping travel conditions hazardous.
Authorities have urged travellers to avoid non-essential journeys to Darjeeling and Sikkim, warning that visibility may drop sharply during heavy showers. Those already on the road have been advised to allow extra travel time, drive slowly on steep or winding sections, and stay alert for possible landslides or roadblocks.