Mon Oct 06 17:09:12 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, aiming for a neutral and informative tone:

**News Article:**

**North Bengal Floods Claim 28 Lives, Trigger Political Blame Game**

**KOLKATA, October 6, 2025** – The death toll from severe flooding and landslides in North Bengal has risen to 28, with the region grappling with widespread devastation. Twenty-three fatalities resulted from landslides in the Darjeeling district between October 4th and 5th, while five additional deaths were reported today from Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri district.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has attributed the disaster to poor flood management and excessive water release, pointing blame at the Central government and neighboring states. She announced a compensation package of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased.

“North Bengal has been flooded with water from Bhutan and Sikkim,” Banerjee stated, adding that the state also bears the brunt of water flow from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. She criticized the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for uncontrolled water release from its reservoirs and accused the Union government of failing to dredge the Ganga River, exacerbating the flooding. Banerjee emphasized the need for an Indo-Bhutan River Commission to regulate water flow and mitigate future disasters.

Rescue operations are underway, with approximately 500 tourists stranded in the Darjeeling hills evacuated to Siliguri. The state government is covering accommodation and transportation costs for affected tourists.

The situation in Mirik remains critical, with the area largely cut off due to damaged roads and bridges. Residents have described the destruction of homes by landslides, and the iconic Mirik Lake has been polluted with mud and debris. Thousands across Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar districts have been affected.

Adding to the tense situation, a delegation of BJP leaders visiting Nagrakata was attacked by locals. BJP MP Khagen Murmu sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized. Chief Minister Banerjee urged restraint in the wake of the incident, calling for unity in addressing the crisis.

Banerjee is scheduled to visit Mirik on Tuesday and has pledged to construct a temporary bridge over the Balasan River within the next three weeks, following the collapse of the Dudiya iron bridge.

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