Sudden Storm in Jalpaiguri Claims Lives, Causes Extensive Damage

On Sunday, a devastating storm hit parts of Jalpaiguri district in northern West Bengal, resulting in the tragic loss of four lives and leaving over 100 individuals injured. The storm, described as "sudden" by officials, caused extensive damage across the district, affecting both the district headquarters town and many areas of neighbouring Mainaguri. The impact was severe, with numerous homes and hutments damaged, trees uprooted, and electric poles toppled. The areas most heavily impacted include Rajarhat, Barnish, Bakali, Jorpakdi, Madhabdanga, and Saptibari.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for the loss of lives due to the storm and assured that he had communicated with officials to provide necessary assistance to 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," Modi stated on X. He also called upon @BJP4Bengal Karyakartas to lend their support to the affected individuals.

In response to the crisis, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cancelled her scheduled programmes and is on her way to meet with the victims' families, according to TMC sources. Additionally, Governor C V Ananda Bose is set to visit Jalpaiguri on Monday to assess the situation firsthand.

The deceased have been identified as Dijendra Narayan Sarkar (52), Anima Burman (45), Jagen Roy (72), and Samar Roy (64). The storm also resulted in numerous injuries among pedestrians due to hail. In light of the emergency, a disaster response team has been deployed, and helpdesks have been established to assist those in need.

Dhupguri MLA Nirmal Chandra Roy reported that several individuals have been hospitalized with injuries sustained during the storm. An emergency cell has been activated at the Raj Bhavan to coordinate response efforts.

Chief Minister Banerjee highlighted the swift deployment of civil administration, police, and disaster management personnel for relief operations. "Sad to know that sudden heavy rainfall and stormy winds brought disasters today afternoon in some Jalpaiguri-Maynaguri areas, with loss of human lives, injuries, house damages, uprooting of trees and electricity poles etc," she remarked on X. She also mentioned that compensation would be provided to the next of kin of the deceased and the injured as per rules and following the MCC model code of conduct.

An official statement revealed that Governor Bose is in communication with the disaster management authority in Delhi, requesting additional support in terms of manpower and materials for Jalpaiguri. He plans to visit the affected areas and the homes of victims tomorrow.

This tragic event has mobilized state officials and local authorities to provide immediate aid and support to those impacted by the storm in Jalpaiguri. The community's resilience is being tested as they come together to recover from this natural disaster.