Rains batter West Bengal; bridge washed away in north bengal, one casualty reported

Commuters make their way through a waterlogged road caused by heavy rain in Kolkata June 19, 2026 | Photo credit: ANI

As rains lashed several districts of West Bengal, one death was reported from Alipurduar on Friday (June 19, 2026). Landslides and floods destroyed life in North Bengal. The Cardinal Bridge in North Bengal between Mirik and Darjeeling was washed away due to heavy rain and flooding.

Water levels in the Teesta River rose as north Bengal remained on flood watch and Kolkata and its surrounding areas battled waterlogging and traffic restrictions.

“The big damage was where the bridge was washed away… a similar incident happened in 2025 in Dudhia… rains can damage bridges due to the great force of water gushing from the mountains, there is huge water pressure. But the bridge that was built 7-8 months ago was completely washed away… if there were any cuts or the quality was kept as normal during construction, we will have to look at it first, but Mr. Adhicyka said priority.”

Local residents and security personnel gather at the site after a temporary humus pipe bridge at Dudhia on the Balasan River was washed away due to heavy rains in Darjeeling on June 19, 2026 | Photo credit: ANI

The original Dudhia Bridge was completely damaged by massive rains and flash floods in North Bengal in October 2025, cutting the link for several days. In its place, a temporary bridge was built right next to the broken bridge, which was washed away by water on Friday (June 19, 2026).

This led to major traffic diversions for local residents and tourists. The CM said the public works department would take four to five days to complete the diversion work, depending on the weather conditions.

Mr. Adhikari said one death of a 4-year-old child was reported from a tea estate in Alipurduar. The government announced a compensation of ₹4 million for the family of the minor victim.

The Teesta River is flowing slightly above the danger level in Cooch Behar district and landslides were reported on National Highway 10, but were cleared within hours, authorities said on Friday (Jun 19, 2026).

The CM also said that the authorities have removed the debris from most of the landslides.

Authorities have assured that central and state authorities, including the disaster management department, MLAs and MPs are on constant alert.

Parts of North Bengal are on red and orange alert as incessant rain continues.

Calcutta waterlogged

Some of the major areas in Kolkata and surrounding areas like CR Avenue, Behala, Ballygunge, Salt Lake, Sector V, Dum Dum etc. suffered from heavy waterlogging.

The rains started early on Friday (June 19, 2026) and disrupted normal life; schools closed, traffic slowed down and caused huge inconvenience to commuters. Waterlogging was also reported from parts of Alipur Zoo, the area was visited by Minister Agnimitra Paul.

Patients and medical staff also faced a major crisis after waterlogging was reported from inside the premises of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The Calcutta Municipal Corporation control room has been swung into action to handle the situation in the city.

Rains are likely to increase over the weekend and may continue till Tuesday (June 23), the India Meteorological Department said. Parts of Kolkata and South Bengal were on orange and yellow alert.

Published – 19 Jun 2026 23:37 IST