**Summary of the Article: Floods and Political Response in North Bengal, October 2025**
In early October 2025, torrential rains brought unprecedented disaster to North Bengal, affecting major districts such as Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri. The calamity, marked by severe floods and landslides, resulted in the loss of more than 30 lives and rendered thousands homeless. The scale of destruction was immense, leading to widespread devastation of homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods across the region. As the people of North Bengal struggled to cope with the aftermath, both the state government and political leaders rallied to provide relief and mobilize much-needed resources.
**The Disaster Unfolds**
On October 5, relentless rainfall caused rivers to breach their banks and triggered landslides in the hilly terrain of North Bengal. The districts of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri were among the hardest hit, but the impact was felt across several neighboring areas as well. The death toll quickly rose above 30, while thousands of families were forced to leave their homes, seeking refuge in emergency shelters set up by the authorities. In addition to the tragic loss of life, the region suffered extensive damage to property and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public utilities, complicating relief and rescue efforts.
The disaster not only destroyed homes but also disrupted the daily lives and economic activities of the local population. Many lost their means of livelihood as crops were washed away and small businesses were ruined. The affected districts, already vulnerable due to their geography and socio-economic conditions, faced a monumental challenge in terms of recovery and rebuilding.
**Government Response and Relief Measures**
In the immediate aftermath of the floods and landslides, the West Bengal government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, sprang into action. Chief Minister Banerjee visited the disaster-stricken region twice within two weeks, personally overseeing the relief and rehabilitation efforts. During her visits, she interacted with affected families, assessed the extent of the devastation, and instructed officials to expedite the delivery of aid.
Recognizing the scale of the crisis, the state government made an urgent appeal for public contributions to support the ongoing relief operations. The West Bengal State Disaster Management Authority (WBSDMA) set up a dedicated fund to channel donations towards flood relief, urging citizens and organizations to contribute generously. The government also established a State-level Task Force tasked with coordinating relief, restoration, and reconstruction activities across the affected areas. This task force, composed of State Ministers and senior officials, held its first meeting on October 18 to strategize and monitor the progress of recovery operations.
According to official statements released on October 18, the government had operationalized 19 relief shelters in Darjeeling district alone, providing temporary accommodation for 640 displaced individuals. The authorities also launched ongoing distribution of essential supplies such as food, clean water, clothing, and medical assistance to those in need. Over 200 damage assessment teams and 21 outreach camps were deployed to evaluate the extent of destruction, assist with the re-issuance of lost documents, and facilitate access to government relief schemes. These teams played a critical role in identifying families eligible for compensation and coordinating efforts to restore basic services.
**Political Leaders Step Forward**
The humanitarian crisis in North Bengal prompted a strong response from political leaders, particularly from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Abhishek Banerjee, the party’s general secretary and a prominent Member of Parliament from Diamond Harbour, took the lead by donating ₹1 lakh to the WBSDMA Fund. In a public statement shared on social media, Mr. Banerjee expressed his solidarity with the flood-affected people, emphasizing the need for collective action to rebuild shattered lives. He described the tragedy as "man-made," alluding to the broader issues of environmental degradation and inadequate infrastructure that exacerbate such disasters.
Mr. Banerjee’s gesture served as a catalyst, inspiring several other senior leaders from the Trinamool Congress to contribute to the relief fund. MPs such as Mahua Moitra, Derek O’Brien, Ritabrata Banerjee, and Prakash Chik Baraik each donated ₹1 lakh, announcing their contributions on various social media platforms. Their messages echoed a common theme of unity, compassion, and responsibility, urging citizens to join hands in supporting the suffering communities of North Bengal.
The wave of contributions was not limited to Members of Parliament. Trinamool Congress MLAs including Paresh Chandra