"Everything possible will be done..." says West Bengal Governor on after effects of Jalpaiguri storm
Apr 01, 2024
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 1 : West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose promised support and assistance following the devastating storms that struck Jalpaiguri. Expressing deep concern over the loss of life and property damage, Governor Bose assured the affected residents that all necessary measures would be taken to provide relief and assistance.
"As you all know, Jalpaiguri was hit by the storms yesterday. There has been a loss of life. Houses have been damaged. We are all concerned about it. Yesterday itself, I had a detailed discussion with the National Resources Management Authority members and the secretary. They have been requested to supply reinforcement and materials if needed. All the agencies are acting together and as we know, the chief minister (of the state) has also reached their. I will be there. I will visit the field, interact with the officials concerned and understand the losses faced by the people. Then we will take whatever decision is required," CV Ananda Bose said.
Earlier, at least four people were killed and over 100 others were injured on Sunday after a heavy storm wreaked havoc in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, officials said.
According to officials, gusty winds brought down trees and damaged houses in several parts of the district and neighbouring areas.
"The seasonal storm, accompanied by a hailstorm, uprooted trees and damaged houses in several parts of West Bengal's Jalpaiguri," SP Khandbahale Umesh Ganpat told the media.
Governor Bose promised support to the victims, stating that Bengal is ready for all possible help.
"We will bring them litigation and relief. This is a very unfortunate incident. We will certainly see what can be done for those who are in hospitals. Everything that is possible will be done. The nation is ready. Bengal is ready," CV Ananda Bose said.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has set up an emergency cell in the Raj Bhavan on Sunday to deal with the storm in Jalpaiguri.
"The Governor is in touch with the Disaster Management Authority in Delhi. He requested the NDMA to rush more reinforcement by way of manpower and materials to Jalpaiguri. The Governor is also in touch with the Central Home Ministry. He will camp in Jalpaiguri tomorrow and visit ground zero and the houses of the victims," Raj Bhavan Kolkata stated.
Jalpaiguri Government Medical College Superintendent Kalyan Khan said that 49 patients have been admitted and 170 patients were reported in the emergency.
"So far, 49 patients have been admitted here and over 170 patients were reported in the emergency. We are doing everything possible for their treatment," he added.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that personnel of the civil administration, police, and disaster management have been deployed for relief work. Additionally, quick response teams (QRTs) were pressed into service while the affected people were shifted to safer places, the Chief Minister added.
"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.," Mamata Banerjee wrote on X.
The Chief Minister assured the victims that the district administration would provide necessary assistance.
"District administration will provide compensation to next-of-kin in the case of deaths, and injuries as per rules and following the Model Code of Conduct," CM Mamata Banerjee said.
According to locals, several areas in Jalpaiguri district were hit by a "very strong" storm in Mainaguri.
"Many houses collapsed. Dozens of people have been admitted to the hospital. Many of them have died. More injured people are being brought to the hospital," said a resident.