At least eight people died and several were feared missing in West Bengal’s Malbazar in Jalpaiguri district after they were swept away due to flash floods in Mal river during Durga Visarjan on Wednesday night, October 5.
Hours later, officials said on Thursday, October 6 that the death toll was likely to rise as several people are still reported missing.
About 15 are injured, 10 in hospital. According to sources, the incident took place around 8.30 pm on Wednesday, October 5 as several people entered the Mal river to take part in the Durga idol immersions.
The sudden rise in the water level caught them unawares and several people were swept away. A few who took shelter on a raised, grassy area in the middle of the river were rescued, sources said. The injured were admitted to Malbazar Super Speciality Hospital. Eyewitnesses alleged that there was no rescue team at the spot at the time of the incident.
Meanwhile, rescue operations are underway and National Disaster Response Force and Civil Defence personnel have been deployed.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is keeping an eye on the rescue work, according to sources. She also expressed her grief about this incident and announced 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.
Prime Minister Modi has also expressed grief over the loss of lives due to an accident in Palakkad district of Kerala. He prayed for a quick recovery of the injured.
PM has announced an ex-gratia of two lakh rupees from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to be given to the next of kin of each deceased. He said, 50 thousand rupees will also be given to the injured.