Siliguri, July 9 -- Relentless rainfall since Wednesday night has disrupted normal life across large parts of North Bengal and neighbouring Sikkim, inundating low-lying areas, submerging stretches of national and state highways, and triggering landslides in the hills, prompting authorities to intensify restoration work and issue travel advisories.

Malda has emerged as the worst-affected district, with continuous heavy rain leaving vast areas under water. Several low-lying localities in Gazole, Harishchandrapur, Tulsihata, Bulbulchandi, and Kendua were inundated, while floodwater submerged portions of National Highway-512 and a state highway. Despite the waterlogging, heavy vehicles were seen moving cautiously through submerged stretches. ...