Rhinos Drown, Roads Turn Rivers: Bengal Floods Leave Trail of Destruction
By Snehil Singh | Oct 06, 2025 | 05:13 pm
What’s the story?
Heavy, unabating rains in West Bengal have caused widespread devastation, resulting in at least 28 fatalities and leaving dozens missing. The worst-hit area is Darjeeling, with Mirik alone reporting 13 deaths and several others still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue.
The persistent downpours in North Bengal have triggered multiple landslides, causing roads to collapse and stranding many tourists during the Durga Puja vacations.
Wildlife Impact
A viral video purportedly from near Jaldapara National Park has captured rhinos floating amid floodwaters, even seen chasing people. The park is a sanctuary for the famous one-horned rhinoceros and other endangered species, highlighting the severe impact of the floods on wildlife.
The catastrophic weather conditions have also inflicted heavy damage across the border in Nepal, where water-induced disasters have claimed 47 lives and left nine people missing, according to The Kathmandu Post.
Rescue Efforts Underway
In the midst of the chaos, elephants have emerged as unexpected heroes. Ravikant Jha, Assistant Wildlife Warden of Jaldapara, stated that elephants are assisting in transporting stranded tourists after a wooden bridge collapsed due to heavy rains. “Our elephants have brought 2-4 tourists across the river because the bridge near the lodge broke due to rain,” he said.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been actively conducting flood and water rescue operations. So far, the NDRF has rescued over 160 people from affected areas. Officials reported that 105 individuals were rescued by boats, while another 55 were airlifted or pulled across using zip lines in Jalpaiguri. Tragically, a dead body was also recovered during these operations.
Weather Update
The India Meteorological Department has forecast scattered light to moderate rains to continue across the sub-Himalayan regions until October 12. Thunderstorms, gusty winds reaching 30-40 km/h, and lightning are possible in isolated areas until Tuesday morning.
