1. Norwester hits Jalpaiguri, North Bengal: 5 dead, 500 injured in Sunday afternoon storm.
2. Mamata Banerjee cancels plans and rushes to Jalpaiguri to assess the aftermath.
3. Prompt action is taken as CM heads to the affected area, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Jalpaiguri, April 01: A devastating norwester swept through north Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district on Sunday afternoon, claiming at least five lives and leaving around 500 injured.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee promptly cancelled her scheduled engagements and headed to Jalpaiguri to assess the situation. Upon arrival, she visited the Jalpaiguri Super Specialty Hospital to meet with the cyclone-affected individuals.
The storm struck multiple villages, spanning several square kilometers, around 3:30 pm, lasting approximately 10 minutes.
Addressing the media, Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over the disaster, citing extensive damage to houses and the loss of five lives, with two others in critical condition.
She reassured the public that the administration was actively providing necessary assistance and support to the affected communities.
“The administration is on-site, extending all possible help. We are committed to aiding the victims in every way,” she affirmed.
Acknowledging the tragic loss of lives, Mamata Banerjee commended the efforts of the administration in managing the crisis and thanked the medical personnel for their dedicated service.
“The medical teams are working diligently to address the situation. Rescue operations have been swiftly executed,” she added.
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Jalpaiguri Medical College and Hospital received around 170 injured individuals, while approximately 200 were admitted to Maynaguri Hospital and another 100 were receiving treatment at Barnesh health center.
While neighboring districts like Alipurduar and Cooch Behar also experienced similar storms, fortunately, no casualties were reported there.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences for the lives lost in the storm, pledging support to those affected. He directed officials to ensure prompt assistance to the affected individuals.
The storm caused extensive damage to numerous hutments and houses, uprooting trees and knocking down electric poles as strong winds and hail battered the district.
“My thoughts are with those affected by the storms in the Jalpaiguri-Mainaguri areas of West Bengal. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones,” Modi tweeted, urging BJP workers to assist those affected.
My thoughts are with those affected by the storms in Jalpaiguri-Mainaguri areas of West Bengal. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.
Spoke to officials and asked them to ensure proper assistance to those impacted by the heavy rains.
I would also urge all…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2024
Earlier in the day, Shama Parveen, district magistrate of Jalpaiguri, confirmed four casualties. The deceased were identified as Dwijendra Narayan Sarkar (52), Anima Roy (49), Jogen Roy (70), and Samar Roy (64).
Governor CV Ananda Bose is scheduled to visit the affected areas in Jalpaiguri on Monday to assess the situation firsthand.
