Kolkata, October 5 (IANS) at least 20 people were killed and many others were injured as torrential rains were largely trapped in North Bengal hills in West Bengal on Sunday, leaving homes, road links and hundreds of tourists.
According to NDRF and district administration reports, deaths occurred from many places – Sarsras, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gon (Matchi), Nagkata and Mirik Lake areas.
Saying that the loss of life is tragic, North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha told the media persons: “So far the death is toll 20. It is likely to go up.”
According to the NDRF statement, at least 11 people have died in Mirik, the worst affected area in landslides, and seven injured have been rescued from the area.
In Darjeeling, seven persons died and the rescue operation was going on with the help of police, local administration and disaster response teams, stated in a release by NDRF.
Hundreds of tourists going to the Darjeeling hills are stranded to enjoy the holidays of Durga Puja.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced compensation for the victims without specifying the amount and number of deaths. She said that she would visit North Bengal on Monday to assess the situation.
“I am deeply concerned and worried that several areas in both North Bengal and South Bengal have been filled due to sudden heavy rains within a few hours last night and also due to excessive river water crowd in our state from outside.
“On Saturday night, North Bengal received more than 300 mm sudden rains in 12 hours, and there was excessive flow of water in the Sanakosh river and usually caused river water flow from Bhutan and Sikkim. This caused disasters,” said CM Banerjee.
The Chief Minister said, “We are surprised to know that we have lost some brothers and sisters in the developed situation with heavy rains and river floods. I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and will immediately send assistance to the families.”
In detail the causes of landslides, CM Banerjee said: “Two iron bridges have declined, many roads have been damaged and flooded, huge tracts of land have been detained in the districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpiguri, Alipar.
She informed that she was monitoring the situation on the basis of twenty -four from last night.
“I have a virtual meeting with Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, North Bengal DMS and SPS, and also attended the meeting by public representatives like Gautam Deb and Anit Thapa. I am constantly in touch and personally going to North Bengal with my Chief Secretary in this regard.”
Meanwhile, he also advised tourists in North Bengal to stay until they would not safely evacuate the police.
“The cost of rescue is ours and tourists do not need to be worried. Some places (eg mirik, due to natural conditions) have been severely affected, while many other places are also subject to our intensive monitoring. I am individually giving information, instructions, I am constantly surveying the conditions. Our officers and police will receive all the assistance to all the affected persons.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences on deaths and said that the situation is being closely monitored in Darjeeling and surrounding areas.
Using his X handle, PM Modi said: “Darjeeling causes deep pain due to loss of life due to an accident of a bridge. There is sensation to those who have lost their loved ones. The injured may soon recover. The situation in Darjeeling and the surrounding areas is closely monitored for all possible support for those people.
At least 40 people were rescued from debris in Dhar Gon, Nagarkata, where heavy Madslides had many houses leveled.
Leader of the opposition Suvandu Officer claimed that he was aware that the disaster has claimed 21 lives.
Many families of Mirik have been transferred to safe places in the form of precautionary measures, while temporary relief camps have been set up with local NGOs and district administration.
According to the NDRF, road connectivity in Darjeeling district and North Sikkim is severely disrupted, and an iron bridge connecting Siliguri to the Mirik-Darjili route has been damaged, which cuts out access to the region.
Road connectivity between West Bengal and Sikkim has been completely cut off as NH10 has been washed into the rising water level in the Teesta River with damage caused by landslides.
Road connectivity for Kalimpong is also cut off, while many roads have been damaged which connects Darjeeling to Siliguri.
Meanwhile, the administration has closed all the places of tourist points in Darjeeling. Tourists trapped in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and other areas have been asked not to go out of their hotels.
The meteorological office has estimated heavy rainfall in North Bengal for the next two days, which is likely to cause inconvenience to deteriorate and rescue operations.
After the rains, many trains in North Bengal have been canceled, while many are running late as water filled railway tracks in many areas.
Meanwhile, a rhino was washed after burning in several rivers after the water level at Gorumara Potential Park in Jalpaiguri district, which led to flooding in the nearby forests.
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