West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday described the flood situation in the northern districts as "alarming," while criticising the central government for not extending assistance to tackle the disaster.
Speaking to media persons en route to north Bengal, where she was headed to assess the damage, Banerjee said, "North Bengal is reeling under flood. Districts like Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar are severely affected."
She also warned that areas in Bihar, Malda, and Dakshin Dinajpur may soon face similar conditions due to the swelling of the Koshi River following heavy rainfall in the catchment areas.
Accusing the Centre of neglecting Bengal's needs, Banerjee said, "The Centre has not maintained the Farakka Barrage despite our repeated reminders, reducing its water-bearing capacity."
She went on to claim, "Only Bengal is being deprived of flood grants. BJP leaders visit Bengal only during elections and forget the state when it matters most."
Despite the absence of central aid, Banerjee asserted that her government is working "on a war footing" to manage the crisis.
Public address systems have been deployed to evacuate people from riverbanks to safer areas, and the chief secretary has been sent to north Bengal to oversee operations.
Banerjee further noted that the Darjeeling Hills are suffering from major landslides, with the army and state administration working together to restore road connectivity.
She is set to hold an administrative meeting at 5 p.m. in Uttarkanya, Siliguri, to coordinate relief efforts.
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