New Delhi: A fierce storm wreaked havoc in several areas of Jalpaiguri and Mainaguri, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. According to reports from the police, numerous houses bore the brunt of the storms fury, with some being completely demolished. Additionally, strong winds uprooted several electric poles, exacerbating the chaos.Affected regionsThe district headquarters town and Mainaguri bore the brunt of the tempest, with Rajarhat, Barnish, Bakali, Jorpakdi, Madhabdanga, and Saptibari being among the worst-hit areas, as confirmed by the authorities.Loss of lives, injuriesTragically, the storm claimed the lives of four individuals identified as Dijendra Narayan Sarkar (52), Anima Burman (45), Jagen Roy (72), and Samar Roy (64). Furthermore, numerous individuals sustained injuries, necessitating urgent medical attention.Devastating cyclonic storm at Jalpaiguri has left a trail of destruction in the area. Four has been reported dead so far. We offer our deepest condolences to all the families involved. Our MP Dr. @JayantaRoyJPG is present on spot to extend all sort of necessary assistance. pic.twitter.com/58QuyvqZVM— Sudhanidhi Bandyopadhyay (@SudhanidhiB) March 31, 2024Rescue, relief effortsIn response to the catastrophe, state disaster management personnel have been mobilized to the affected regions to coordinate rescue and relief operations. Distressing images from the scene depict damaged homes and distraught residents sifting through debris in a bid to salvage their belongings.Mamata Banerjeee respondsWest Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences to the affected families via her official Twitter handle. She lamented the loss of lives and pledged swift action to mitigate the aftermath of the disaster.In her tweet, she stated, Sad to know that sudden heavy rainfall and stormy winds brought disasters today afternoon in some Jalpaiguri-Mainaguri areas, with loss of human lives, injuries, house damages, uprooting of trees and electricity poles etc.Relief measures, compensationCM Banerjee assured that the state administration, including block officials, police, and disaster management groups, are actively engaged in relief efforts. She announced compensation for the families of the deceased and financial assistance for the injured, emphasizing adherence to all regulatory protocols.As rescue operations continue and affected individuals are relocated to safer locations, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting those affected by the calamity.
