Darjeeling, West Bengal: At least six people have died after severe landslides and a bridge collapse struck Darjeeling, following heavy rainfall in the region, India Today reported. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, warning of continued heavy rains in the area.

Emergency teams are reportedly on the ground conducting rescue and relief operations.

More details awaited. 

Issuing a red warning for the sub-Himalayan districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar, IMD said one or two places in these districts are likely to receive extremely heavy rain till Sunday morning, which will continue till Monday morning in Alipurduar.

Light to moderate rainfall is likely at most places in these districts till Monday morning, the IMD said in a bulletin.

“The well-marked low-pressure over west Jharkhand and adjoining areas of south Bihar, southeast Uttar Pradesh and north Chhattisgarh is likely to move north-northeastwards towards Bihar, and weaken gradually into a low-pressure area by Saturday evening,” it said.

At most places over south Bengal, light to moderate rain is forecast, with heavy rainfall in Murshidabad, Birbhum and Nadia districts, till Monday morning.