‘Rhinos drown…roads turn rivers’: Bengal floods leave trail of destruction
**Rhinos Drown, Roads Turn Rivers: Bengal Floods Leave Trail of Destruction**
*By Snehil Singh | October 6, 2025 | 05:13 PM*
Heavy, unabating rains in West Bengal have caused widespread devastation, killing at least 28 people and leaving dozens missing. The worst-hit region is Darjeeling, where Mirik alone has recorded 13 deaths, with many more still unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue.
The intense downpours across North Bengal have triggered landslides, causing roads to collapse and stranding numerous tourists during the Durga Puja holidays. Infrastructure damage has severely impacted travel and communication in these areas.
A viral video emerging from near Jaldapara National Park shows rhinos floating in floodwaters and even chasing people. The park, known for its one-horned rhinoceros and other endangered wildlife, has been badly affected by the severe weather.
The neighboring country of Nepal has also suffered extensively. According to *The Kathmandu Post*, water-related disasters in Nepal have claimed 47 lives with nine reported missing.
### Rescue Efforts and Heroes Amid the Flood
In the midst of the chaos, elephants have played an unexpected yet crucial role in rescue operations. Ravikant Jha, Assistant Wildlife Warden at Jaldapara, explained that elephants helped ferry stranded tourists across rivers after a wooden bridge near a lodge collapsed due to the rains. “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 engaged in flood rescue operations, successfully saving over 160 people. Officials report that 105 individuals were rescued by boats, while another 55 were airlifted or pulled across river zip lines in Jalpaiguri. During these operations, a deceased individual was also recovered.
### Weather Forecast
The India Meteorological Department has warned that scattered light to moderate rain is expected to continue in the sub-Himalayan regions until October 12. Thunderstorms, gusty winds reaching 30-40 km/h, and isolated lightning are likely till Tuesday morning.
Residents and travelers are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions as rescue and relief operations proceed in the flood-affected zones.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/floods-and-landslides-devastate-darjeeling-rhinos-float-in-floodwaters/story
