Bengal Rains: 5 Killed As Storm Wreaks Havoc In Jalpaiguri; Mamata Visits Cyclone-Affected Region

Five persons have lost their lives and over 100 people have been injured as a storm wreaked havoc in parts of the Jalpaiguri district in northern West Bengal on Sunday.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee visited Jalpaiguri to take stock of the situation and met the cyclone-affected people.

Speaking to the media, she said, "A disaster occurred due to which several houses were damaged and 5 people died. Two others are in serious condition. The administration is on the spot and providing necessary help. Government is doing everything possible to help the victims..."

Several houses were damaged, trees uprooted and electric poles fell as strong winds devastated most parts of the district headquarters town and many areas of neighbouring Mainaguri, PTI reported citing officials.

Among the most affected areas were Rajarhat, Barnish, Bakali, Jorpakdi, Madhabdanga and Saptibari, they said.

Speaking about the rain, a resident named Lal Sharma told ANI: "Two people have died due to the storm that just hit. 48 people have been injured and are undergoing treatment in the hospital."

Another local resident said, "Many areas of Jalpaiguri district were hit by a very strong storm in Mainaguri. Many houses collapsed. Till now 57 people have been admitted to the hospital. 2 people have died and the death toll is expected to increase. More injured are being brought to the hospital. Some of the injured are being referred to the medical college."

On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his grief over the deaths and said that he has spoken to the officials.

In a post on X, he said, "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 @BJP4Bengal Karyakartas to assist those affected."

Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has set up an emergency cell in the Raj Bhavan to deal with the storm in Jalpaiguri, Raj Bhavan Kolkata said in a press release.

"The Governor is in touch with the Disaster Management Authority in Delhi. He requested the NDMA to rush more reinforcement by way of manpower and materials to Jalpaiguri. The Governor is also in touch with the Central Home Ministry. He will camp in Jalpaiguri tomorrow and visit ground zero and the houses of the victims," the post said.