5 Dead, Over 100 Injured As Storm Wreaks Havoc In West Bengal's Jalpaiguri

PM Modi condoled the loss of lives in the storm and spoke with officials and asked for proper assistance to the affected people.

New Delhi: The cyclonic storm claimed the lives of 5 people and left over 100 injured in the Jalpaiguri district in northern West Bengal. Several hutments and houses sustained damages, trees were uprooted and electric poles fell on the ground following strong winds and hailstorms triggered by the cyclonic storm in most parts of the district headquarters town and many areas of neighbouring Mainaguri on Sunday.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the storm-hit district late Sunday night and assured the people of all help from the administration. Confirming the casualties CM said, "So far, we have reports of the death of five people. The number of injured is quite high. I met the injured and the family members of those who died in the storm. The state administration will do everything to help the affected families."

When asked about providing compensation, Banerjee said, "As the model code of conduct is in place, I can't say anything about it. You have to talk to the district administration," reported PTI.

On Sunday night, Banerjee visited the injured at the hospital and spoke to the family members of those killed in the storm and assured them of all sorts of assistance.

"This is a disaster, an emergency situation. I have visited the families of those who have been killed and also those who are undergoing treatment at the hospital. I will thank the administration for their prompt action in the rescue operation. We are beside the people and will take care of their treatment and rebuilding the houses," Banerjee said, adding that the rescue operation is over.

Banerjee, accompanied by TMC party leaders, went to Jalpaiguri Medical College and Hospital and on her way also spoke to those in the relief camps in other parts of the districts through video call.

Among the most affected areas in the district were Rajarhat, Barnish, Bakali, Jorpakdi, Madhabdanga and Saptibari, officials said, adding that several acres of agricultural land and crops suffered damage.

Governor C V Ananda Bose also left for the northern districts of Bengal early Monday morning. "This is very unfortunate. There is loss of lives in the storm. All the agencies are working together. I will be visiting the area and speak to the people there. Everything will be done," Bose told reporters before boarding the flight.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the storm and said he had spoken with officials and asked them to ensure proper assistance to those affected by it.

"Disaster response team has been deployed and helpdesks set up," a senior official of Jalpaiguri district said. However, not much damage happened in Cooch Behar and Alipurduar districts, another official added.

Dhupguri MLA Nirmal Chandra Roy told PTI that several people have been admitted to hospital with injuries.

An emergency cell has also been opened at the Raj Bhavan to deal with the situation in Jalpaiguri, officials said.

According to an official statement, the governor is in touch with the disaster management authority in Delhi and has requested them to rush more reinforcement by way of manpower and materials to Jalpaiguri. "He will camp in Jalpaiguri tomorrow and visit ground zero and houses of the victims," it said.