Jalpaiguri storm: 5 dead, 500 injured; Mamata Banerjee heads to north Bengal for assistance
PTC News Desk: A deadly storm ravaged parts of north Bengal's Jalpaiguri district on Sunday afternoon, leaving devastation in its wake. The tragedy resulted in at least five fatalities, including a woman, with approximately 500 individuals sustaining injuries. Severe damage to numerous houses was reported in the affected areas.
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee swiftly responded to the crisis, canceling her scheduled engagements to personally assess the situation. Arriving in Jalpaiguri on Sunday night, she visited the cyclone-affected regions and extended her support to the victims. Banerjee also paid a visit to the Jalpaiguri Super Specialty Hospital to meet those affected by the calamity.
The storm, which struck around 3:30 pm, swept through villages spanning several square kilometers, with its fury lasting approximately 10 minutes. Speaking to the media, Banerjee expressed sorrow over the disaster, emphasising the loss of lives and property. She assured that the administration was actively engaged in providing necessary assistance to those affected.
My thoughts are with those affected by the storms in Jalpaiguri-Mainaguri areas of West Bengal. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.
Spoke to officials and asked them to ensure proper assistance to those impacted by the heavy rains.
I would also urge all… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2024
Acknowledging the valiant efforts of the administration and healthcare workers, Banerjee emphasised the importance of standing by the affected communities during such crises. Hospitals across the district, including Jalpaiguri Medical College and Hospital, Maynaguri Hospital, and Barnesh Health Centre, were inundated with injured individuals seeking treatment. While neighbouring districts such as Alipurduar and Cooch Behar also experienced similar storms, no casualties were reported. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences for the loss of lives and assured proper assistance to the affected areas. He urged BJP workers in Bengal to extend their support to those in need.
Earlier reports indicated four casualties, including Dwijendra Narayan Sarkar, Anima Roy, Jogen Roy, and Samar Roy. Governor CV Ananda Bose is slated to visit Jalpaiguri on Monday to assess the situation firsthand and offer support to the affected communities.
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(Inputs from agencies)
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