Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Kolkata, Nov 1 (IANS) The threat of another flood is looming in North Bengal due to continuous rains for the last two days due to the impact of Cyclone Montha, due to which the water level of rivers has started rising above the danger level, causing panic among the people due to floods and landslides in the hilly districts once again.
According to reports, the water from Bhutan breached the dam under construction on Shisamara river, causing flooding in various areas of Shalkumar 1 and Shalkumar 2 gram panchayats. About 200 people of the area have left their homes and taken shelter in the local Lalturam High School. The local Gram Panchayat has made arrangements for their accommodation and food.
Subhash Roy, head of Shalkumar 1 gram panchayat, told media persons, “The dam on the Sheesmara river, where it was built on an emergency basis, has breached and water has entered various areas including Notun Para and Munshipara of Shalkumar. We have rescued 200 to 250 families and brought them to the local Notun Para Lalturam High School. Efforts are being made to rescue livestock and other materials from the houses. If the water level and If it increases, the situation will become serious.”
State Disaster Management Department personnel have been deployed in Shalkumar. The Zilla Parishad is also keeping an eye on the situation. Officials are using loudspeakers to evacuate people from low-lying areas. It is notable that Shalkumar 1 and Shalkumar 2 gram panchayat areas of Alipurduar district were the worst hit in the October 5 disaster, when massive floods and landslides were reported in North Bengal following torrential rains overnight.
Meanwhile, the approach road of Birpara Geraganda Bridge on Asian Highway-48 in Birpara has also collapsed. As a result, there has been traffic congestion on the route from Northeast India and Bhutan to Siliguri in West Bengal.
According to the Meteorological Department, Jalpaiguri district has received about 170 mm of rain since Friday. Due to this, water is being released from Teesta Barrage. The residents of Teestapar area are in panic. However, Irrigation Department personnel are keeping an eye on the situation all the time. Along with Jalpaiguri, it is raining in Darjeeling district also. According to the forecast, there is a possibility of heavy rain in Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts at the end of the day. Light to moderate rain will continue in North Bengal on Sunday also. The weather is likely to change from Monday.
–IANS
SH/VD