The Kalimpong district administration has taken a series of measures for the safety of residents, especially those living along the banks of the Teesta and other rivers during the monsoon, keeping in mind the devastation caused by the flash flood in the Teesta in October last year.

Sources in the administration said quick response teams (QRTs) had been formed in every block and rural areas to tackle the rain fury. Also, discussions were held with residents of the vulnerable spots to boost their confidence and meetings were convened with representatives of several state government departments and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

“We have decided to keep the QRTs ready in all blocks and rural areas in the district. These teams will be deployed throughout the monsoon season to respond to any emergency quickly,” said an official.

He said Tarkhola, Rangpo, Teesta Bazar and Melli had been affected by the deluge in October last year. “In these areas, we have already met the residents. Our teams will keep a close watch on these locations to ensure that people are shifted with their belongings in case there is a surge in water levels because of rainfall in the upper reaches of the hills,” the official said.

The administration has held meetings with representatives of different departments, including irrigation, forest, public works, and fire and emergency services and district disaster management.

The district has four blocks and 22 panchayats. Each QRT, sources said, will comprise eight members, including civic volunteers, ex-army personnel and representatives of the administration.

The flash flood, which had occurred on October 4 because of the outburst of the South Lhonak Lake in Sikkim, had damaged 550 houses in Kalimpong district. Three persons died and 11 went missing.