West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed ‘deep concern’ over the floods caused by sudden heavy rains in many areas of North and South Bengal. He has assured to provide all necessary assistance to the affected families immediately.
The Chief Minister said in a post shared on X, “I am very concerned and concerned last night due to sudden heavy rains in a few hours and excessive flow of river water in our state from outside, there has been flood in many areas of North Bengal and South Bengal.”
Heavy destruction due to more than 300 mm of rain in 12 hours
Banerjee blamed more than 300 mm torrential rains in just 12 hours for widespread destruction in North Bengal. He said, ‘Last night, North Bengal suddenly received more than 300 mm rainfall in 12 hours and at the same time there was excessive flow of water in the Sankosh river and the river water from Bhutan and Sikkim was also washed away. This brought disasters. ‘
The Chief Minister expressed deep grief over the loss of life and property caused by heavy rains and floods. He said, ‘We have been deeply shocked to know that we have lost some of our siblings due to heavy rains and floods in rivers. I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the dead and will give them all assistance immediately.
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Infrastructure affected, severe disadvantage in Mirik
According to the Chief Minister, the infrastructure has also suffered heavy losses due to disaster. He said, ‘Two iron bridges have collapsed, many roads have been damaged and flooded. Large parts of the land have been submerged in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurdar districts. He specifically asked Mirik, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, MaTigada and Alipurduar to receive ‘reports of worrying damage and damage’.
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Chief Minister is monitoring the situation, given this advice to tourists
Banerjee assured that she is constantly monitoring the situation and has held a virtual meeting with the Chief Secretary. She said that she has been monitoring the situation round the clock since last night and held a meeting with the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Districts of North Bengal and Superintendents of Police, which also attended public representatives like Gautam Deb and Anit Thapa. He said, “I am in constant contact and in this regard tomorrow I am going to North Bengal personally with my Chief Secretary.”
The Chief Minister has issued a special advice for tourists trapped in the area. He said, ‘Meanwhile, we are advising the tourists of North Bengal to stay there until our police takes them safe. The cost of rescue is ours and tourists do not need to worry. He said that officers and police will provide all possible assistance to all the affected people everywhere.