Kolkata, Oct. 5 -- Authorities in North Bengal have been placed on high alert after Bhutan's Tala Hydropower Dam began overflowing due to a technical failure, raising fears of downstream flooding in the Dooars region of West Bengal.

The National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), Bhutan, confirmed that the Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) reported a malfunction in the dam gates, which failed to open, resulting in river water spilling over the structure. Bhutan has formally alerted the West Bengal government to prepare for possible impacts.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said its team based in Alipurduar has been put on the "highest alert level". All personnel on leave have been recalled, while an additional 15 ...