5-killed-over-100-injured-as-storm-hits-bengal-s-jalpaiguri-pm-expresses-condolences

A sudden storm wreaked havoc in parts of Jalpaiguri district in northern West Bengal on Sunday, resulting in the death of five individuals and injuring over 100, officials reported.

 

Strong winds accompanied by hail caused extensive damage to hutments, houses, trees, and electric poles in the district headquarters town and various areas of neighbouring Mainaguri, the officials stated.

 

Among the worst affected areas were Rajarhat, Barnish, Bakali, Jorpakdi, Madhabdanga, and Saptibari, where several acres of agricultural land and crops suffered significant damages.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for the loss of lives in the storm and assured proper assistance to those affected. He spoke with officials to ensure prompt support for the affected individuals.

 

"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.

 

"I would also urge all @BJP4Bengal Karyakartas to assist those affected,” the PM added.

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

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, canceling her scheduled programmes, is on her way to meet the families of the victims, according to TMC sources.

 

Governor C V Ananda Bose will also visit Jalpaiguri on Monday to assess the situation and meet with the affected individuals, Raj Bhavan officials confirmed.

 

The deceased were identified as Dijendra Narayan Sarkar (52), Anima Burman (45), Jagen Roy (72), and Samar Roy (64).

 

Numerous pedestrians were injured by hail, and the disaster response team has been deployed, with helpdesks set up, said a senior Jalpaiguri district official.

 

Dhupguri MLA Nirmal Chandra Roy informed that several people have been hospitalized with injuries.

 

An emergency cell has been established at the Raj Bhavan to address the situation in Jalpaiguri, the officials noted.

 

Banerjee expressed sadness over the incident and assured compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured, in accordance with regulations and the model code of conduct.

 

The governor is coordinating with the disaster management authority in Delhi to provide additional reinforcement to Jalpaiguri, according to an official statement. He will be present in Jalpaiguri tomorrow to inspect the situation and visit the victims' homes.