Snowfall Covers Sikkim’s Mountains in White
The remnants of Cyclone Montha brought continuous rain and fresh snowfall to Sikkim and North Bengal over the past 24 hours. High-altitude regions like Lachung, Nathula, and Tsomgo Lake turned white on Friday morning as snow blanketed the mountains.
“This is the first heavy snowfall of the season. The entire Lachung area is covered with thick snow,” said Kalpak De, a hotel owner in Lachung.
Heavy Rain Disrupts Life in North Bengal
Constant rainfall across Darjeeling district forced local authorities to take safety measures. Around 20 relief shelters were opened, providing temporary refuge to over 100 families.
In Bijanbari block, a large tree fell on Lizahill Primary School, damaging its roof.
Flood Threat in the Dooars Region
Rainfall also affected parts of Bhutan, raising river levels that flow into the Dooars. The Jalpaiguri administration began precautionary evacuations as the area is still recovering from the October 5 floods.
District Magistrate Shama Parveen confirmed that around 3,000 residents from flood-prone areas were moved to relief camps. “We have set up community kitchens and stationed officers in vulnerable areas,” she said.
In Dhupguri, the Jaldhaka River swelled dangerously near Gadheyarkuthi, prompting officials to visit and alert residents to move to safer zones.
Balason River Overflows Again
The Balason River rose sharply at Dudhia on Friday, disrupting traffic between Mirik and Siliguri—only four days after connectivity was restored.
Engineer Anandamoy Mondal from the PWD said, “We closed the temporary bridge for safety. Once the water level drops, traffic will resume.”
IMD Forecasts More Rain and Snow
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the low-pressure system from Montha is now over northwest Jharkhand and moving northeast.
The IMD warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall (70–200mm) in parts of North Bengal and Sikkim, and heavy snowfall (up to 204cm) in higher regions within the next 24 hours.
