North Bengal’s Flooded Wilderness: Tourists Navigate Perilous Evacuations

What began as a serene post-Puja getaway in North Bengal swiftly transformed into a life-threatening ordeal for many tourists. Flash floods and landslides, triggered by relentless rainfall, inundated regions like Jaldapara and Sisamara, leaving visitors stranded and forcing authorities to employ unconventional rescue methods.

Unconventional Rescue Operations

In Jaldapara, tourists found themselves trapped at forest lodges, their paths to safety obstructed by swollen rivers and treacherous terrain. The forest department deployed elephants, traditionally used for safaris, to ferry people across waterlogged stretches and overflowing riverbeds. Senjuti Ghosh from Dum Dum recounted her experience, stating, “We were stranded all day before the forest department arranged for elephants to ferry us through waterlogged stretches to safer plains.”

Elsewhere, in Sisamara, visitors resorted to wading through waist-deep waters, forming human chains, and utilizing ziplines to traverse flooded areas. Priya Banerjee from Kolkata shared, “Water currents were so strong we had to form a human chain,” highlighting the severity of the situation.

Challenges Faced by Stranded Tourists

The stranded tourists grappled with multiple challenges, including dwindling supplies, lack of electricity, and exorbitant travel costs. Saurav Palit from Chinsurah described his family’s ordeal, stating, “There was no electricity since Saturday, and by Sunday morning, the Sisamara river had flooded our guest house. We had to wade through waist-deep water and slush along forest and village roads to find safety.”

Conclusion

The recent floods in North Bengal serve as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the resilience of individuals in the face of adversity. While the immediate danger has passed, the events underscore the need for improved infrastructure and preparedness to handle such emergencies in the future.