Jalpaiguri: At least eight people died in a flash flood in the Mal river in north Bengals Jalpaiguri district on Wednesday night when a large number of people had gathered on the river bank to witness idol immersion.
Wednesday marked the final day of the Durga Puja festival.
Eight persons, including a child, were killed and 13 others were injured. More than 50 persons were rescued. There is no information of anyone missing. Search operation is still on. It is still raining, Moumita Godara Basu, district magistrate of Jalpaiguri district, told Hindustan Times.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the loss of lives in the tragedy.
He tweeted: Anguished by the mishap during Durga Puja festivities in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones.
The Prime Minister has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs to the next kin of deceased and Rs. 50,000 to those injured in the tragic mishap from Prime Ministers National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the deceased family and Rs 50,000 to those wounded during immersion of Durga idols in north Bengal’s Mal river on Wednesday night.
“A tragic flash flood hit the Mal River in Jalpaiguri as Durga Visarjan was underway. 8 people lost their lives, I pray that their families find strength & solace in these difficult times.
“13 people are undergoing treatment at Mal SSH ( super speciality hospital), I pray for their speedy recovery,” Banerjee tweeted.
She said the search and rescue operations by NDRF and SDRF were still underway.
“Around 70 people were saved by the efforts of the police, Civil Defence Volunteers and local youth. I commend their selfless service. There have been no reports of missing persons so far,” she said.
” An ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh will be given to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.
“For any assistance kindly reach out to the following helpline numbers- 03561230780 / 9073936815. Let us stand together in these times of distress,” the Chief Minister said.
