North Bengal Flood Tragedy: The picturesque hills of North Bengal, particularly Darjeeling, turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak in the early hours of October 5, 2025, as unprecedented heavy rainfall triggered flash floods and multiple landslides across the region. Among the many affected by the calamity is 25-year-old Himadri Purkait, a former Jadavpur University student, who remains untraceable after being swept away by floodwaters. His disappearance has deeply distressed his family and friends and underscores the vulnerability of hill towns in the face of extreme weather events.
North Bengal Flood Tragedy: Background of Himadri Purkait
Himadri Purkait hailed from South Kamarpole in South 24-Parganas, Kolkata, and was pursuing his Sociology degree at Jadavpur University. Known among peers for his adventurous spirit and love for travel, Himadri often undertook journeys to explore remote parts of West Bengal and the Northeast. He was staying at Bagar Farmstay in Sonada, near Darjeeling, as a “volunteering tourist,” helping out at the farm in exchange for lodging and experience of local culture. He had checked into the farmstay on September 27, and his last contact with family was on the morning of October 5.
The Flood and Landslide Disaster
On the night of October 5, intense rainfall caused the Balason River to swell rapidly, resulting in flash floods that destroyed homes, roads, and farmland. Landslides cascaded down the hills, engulfing pathways and settlements. Bagar Farmstay, situated on the riverbank, was severely affected. While the farmstay had cottages that offered more secure shelter, Himadri had chosen to stay in a tent pitched on higher ground. As floodwaters approached, staff began evacuating guests, prioritizing children and those in cottages.
Himadri reportedly called the staff around 2:20 AM to alert them to the danger, emphasizing that children needed to be moved first. However, the torrent soon reached his tent, sweeping it away. Attempts to locate him immediately after the disaster were unsuccessful, as the floodwaters had already carried him away.
Search and Rescue Efforts
In the aftermath of the disaster, local authorities, including the district administration and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), launched intensive search operations. Teams combed the affected regions, including the riverbanks, hillsides, and debris, but there was no trace of Himadri. His personal belongings were recovered at the farmstay, yet his mobile phone remained switched off, leaving family and rescuers anxious.
Family members received a video showing a young man struggling in a river’s current, which they suspect could be Himadri, though authorities have not confirmed this. His brother, Priyobrato, and close friends, including Sayan Das, have been coordinating with local officials and volunteers to track his whereabouts.
Community and Social Media Response
The news of Himadri’s disappearance sparked an outpouring of concern from the local community and across social media platforms. Supporters and well-wishers used hashtags such as #FindHimadriPurkait to amplify the search efforts. Many local residents volunteered to assist in the rescue operations, navigating treacherous terrain to cover remote areas affected by landslides. Political leaders also intervened, coordinating with state authorities to ensure that every possible resource was deployed in the search and relief missions.
Extent of Damage in North Bengal
The floods and landslides have had a catastrophic impact on North Bengal. Darjeeling district reported multiple fatalities, with homes, roads, and bridges destroyed or severely damaged. Mirik, another hill town, suffered extensive destruction, including a 40-hour power outage and the loss of life. Reports indicate that over 400 landslides occurred across the region, stranding families, disrupting transportation, and complicating relief and rescue efforts.
Authorities have been working round the clock to restore connectivity, provide temporary shelters, and supply essentials such as food, water, and medical aid to affected families. The scale of destruction has also raised concerns about infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness in flood-prone hilly regions.
Impact on Families and Local Communities
The disappearance of Himadri Purkait has left his family in deep anguish. Relatives describe the uncertainty surrounding his fate as a “torturous wait,” highlighting the emotional toll disasters take beyond the immediate physical damage. The broader community, too, is grappling with the fear and trauma that comes with such sudden natural calamities. Many local residents have recounted narrow escapes from landslides, while others have had to abandon their homes temporarily.
Government and Relief Measures
State and district authorities have intensified rescue operations, deploying additional personnel and equipment to search the flood-hit areas. Relief camps have been set up to accommodate displaced families, providing basic amenities and medical assistance. Local administrations are also working to repair damaged roads, restore power, and ensure communication lines are functional to coordinate ongoing rescue missions.
Efforts are ongoing to strengthen early-warning systems and evacuation protocols in Darjeeling and surrounding hill regions. Experts have emphasized the need for enhanced disaster management measures, including proper land-use planning, slope stabilization, and real-time weather monitoring, to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Challenges in Rescue Operations
The terrain of Darjeeling hills poses significant challenges to search and rescue teams. Steep slopes, landslide debris, and swollen rivers make access difficult, particularly in remote areas. The sudden rise in water levels during flash floods also complicates operations, putting both victims and rescuers at risk. Despite these obstacles, authorities remain committed to locating Himadri and others affected by the disaster.
Conclusion
The story of Himadri Purkait is emblematic of the human cost of natural disasters in vulnerable regions like North Bengal. While the monsoon brings life-giving rain to these hills, it also exposes weaknesses in infrastructure and preparedness. As the search for Himadri continues, his disappearance serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to improve disaster response mechanisms and ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.
Himadri’s family, friends, and the wider community continue to hold on to hope, urging authorities and volunteers to spare no effort in finding him. The Darjeeling floods of October 2025 will be remembered not only for the destruction they caused but also for the resilience and solidarity displayed by the people of North Bengal in the face of tragedy.
District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Darjeeling
The DDMA is responsible for coordinating disaster response and relief efforts in Darjeeling. They provide shelter, food, medical assistance, and facilitate the rebuilding of infrastructure. They also manage control rooms and conduct disaster preparedness training.
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Control Room Contacts:
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District Control Room: 0354-2255749
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Sadar Subdivision: 0354-2254298
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Kurseong Subdivision: 0354-2344448
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Mirik Subdivision: 9832383667
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Siliguri Subdivision: 0353-2510166
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West Bengal Disaster Management & Civil Defence Department
This state-level department oversees disaster response and relief operations across West Bengal, including North Bengal. They manage the State Disaster Response Fund and coordinate with various agencies for effective disaster management.
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Website: wbdmd.gov.in
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Fund Allocation Information: Fund Allocation Details
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Disaster Management Policy: West Bengal Disaster Management Policy
Emergency Contact Numbers
For immediate assistance or reporting missing persons, you can contact the following numbers:
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Darjeeling District Control Room: 0354-2255749
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Sadar Subdivision: 0354-2254298
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Kurseong Subdivision: 0354-2344448
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Mirik Subdivision: 9832383667
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Siliguri Subdivision: 0353-2510166
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