West Bengal Floods: Mamata Banerjee Assures Relief Efforts Amidst Heavy Rains

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Sunday expressed deep worry and concern over the severe flooding in several areas of North and South Bengal, caused by sudden heavy rainfall and the rush of excessive river waters into the state from Bhutan and Sikkim.

“I am deeply worried and concerned that several areas in both North Bengal and South Bengal have been flooded due to sudden huge rains within a few hours last night, as well as due to the rush of excessive river waters in our State from outside,” Banerjee said in a message posted on her WhatsApp channel.

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The situation is dire, with two iron bridges collapsed, several roads damaged and flooded, and huge tracts of land inundated in the districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar. “We have been shocked and saddened to know that we have lost some brothers and sisters in the situation caused by huge rainfall and river floods,” Banerjee added, extending her heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

As per media reports, at least six people have died in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district after a landslide struck Mirik. The Dudia Iron Bridge, which connects the district towns and tourist hotspots of Mirik and Kurseong, has also collapsed.

Banerjee has been closely monitoring the situation since last night, holding virtual meetings with officials, including the Chief Secretary and the DG of Police. The state government has set up 24×7 control rooms to assist affected persons, and tourists in North Bengal are advised to stay put until safely evacuated by police. “Rescue costs are ours, and tourists need to be anxious,” Banerjee assured.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also separately announced that she will be visiting North Bengal on Monday. According to her statement, she will be heading to North Bengal with her Chief Secretary to oversee relief efforts and assess the situation in the region, which has been affected by heavy rains and flooding. She has also urged tourists in North Bengal to stay put until safely evacuated by police. The Chief Minister has been closely monitoring the situation and has held virtual meetings with officials, including the Chief Secretary and the DG of Police.

Affected areas include Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Mirik.

While severe flooding has been reported, with significant damage to infrastructure, there was widespread damage and losses, with large tracts of land inundated, with several roads damaged. Meanwhile, rescue efforts were underway.

The state government has set up 24×7 control rooms to assist affected people, while tourists in North Bengal are advised to stay put until safely evacuated.

24×7 Control Rooms Contact Numbers:

– Nabanna Disaster Management Control Room: +91 33 2214 3526 and +91 33 2253 5185

– Toll-Free Numbers: +91 86979 81070 and 1070 [from the tweet].