Rhinos Drown, Roads Turn Rivers: Bengal Floods Leave Trail of Destruction
By Snehil Singh | Oct 06, 2025 | 05:13 PM
Heavy, unabating rains in West Bengal have caused widespread devastation, resulting in at least 28 deaths and leaving dozens missing. The worst-hit region is Darjeeling, where Mirik alone has reported 13 fatalities, with many more still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue.
The intense downpours in North Bengal have triggered landslides, causing roads to collapse and stranding numerous tourists during the Durga Puja vacations. Infrastructure damage and disrupted transportation have further complicated relief efforts.
Wildlife Impact
A viral video from near Jaldapara National Park shows rhinos floating helplessly in floodwaters and even chasing people. The park is known for its population of the famous one-horned rhinoceros and other endangered species, raising concerns about the safety of wildlife amid the floods.
Severe weather has also severely affected neighboring Nepal, where water-induced disasters have claimed 47 lives, with nine more reported missing, according to The Kathmandu Post.
Rescue Efforts
Elephants have emerged as unlikely heroes in the rescue operations. Ravikant Jha, Assistant Wildlife Warden of Jaldapara, shared that elephants have been used to transport stranded tourists after a wooden bridge near a lodge collapsed due to heavy rain. “Our elephants have brought 2-4 tourists across the river because the bridge near the lodge broke,” he said.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been actively involved in flood and water rescue operations. So far, the NDRF has rescued over 160 people from affected areas. Of these, 105 were rescued by boats, while another 55 were either airlifted or pulled across rivers using zip lines in Jalpaiguri. Rescue teams also recovered one deceased individual during their operations.
Weather Forecast
The India Meteorological Department has forecast continued scattered light to moderate rain in the sub-Himalayan regions until October 12. Thunderstorms, gusty winds reaching 30-40 km/h, and isolated lightning strikes are expected until Tuesday morning, signaling the need for ongoing caution and preparedness.
Stay safe and follow official advisories as relief and rescue efforts continue across the region.