Jalpaiguri (WB), July 01: The water levels of major rivers in north Bengal are on the rise following incessant rains in the catchment areas of Bhutan and Sikkim. Official sources said red signal has been flashed on the banks of river Teesta and river Jaldhaka in Jalpaiguri district.

The district administration has asked the people living in the riverine areas to move to safer places. Over 30,000 people were affected in the district where low-lying areas have been inundated.

District Meteorological Department sources said Gazaldoba recorded the highest rainfall of 224.4 mm during the past 24 hours.

According to a report from Coochbehar, water levels of Torsa and Jaldhaka crossed the danger mark at Hasimara today, following heavy downpour at the upper catchment areas and in the plains. Official sources said red signal has been flashed on both sides of river Torsa and yellow signal on both sides of Jaldhaka and Mansai in Coochbehar district.

With downpour still continuing in Coochbehar, it was being feared that the water levels of all other rivers in the district might soon cross the danger mark.

The SDOs and BDOs of all the concerned areas were alerted by the district administration to keep a watch on the situation, the sources said. Bureau Report