WB: 8 People Killed in Flash Flood During Idol Immersion in Jalpaiguri, PM Modi Condoles Deaths

GG News Bureau

Kolkata, 6^th Oct. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives due to a mishap during Durga Puja festivities in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal.

The Prime Minister Office (PMO) tweeted, “Anguished by the mishap during Durga Puja festivities in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones: PM @narendramodi”

https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1577727987650162688?s=20&t=r-xn8nGvU-O7DI7fo6b_Tg

On the final day of the five-day religious festival, at least eight people drowned during a flash flood in the Mal River in north Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district on Wednesday night, when a large crowd had gathered on the river bank for idol immersion.

“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,” said Moumita Godara Basu, district magistrate of Jalpaiguri district.

The incident occurred around 9:15 p.m. in Malbazar. Mal, like most rivers in the Dooars region, floods when there is heavy rain in the Himalayan foothills. When the accident occurred, it was raining heavily in the Kalimpong hills. The devotees were unaware of the rise in water level in the river’s upper stream.

According to officials, a large number of people had gathered on the river bank, and the level of water rose from six inches to 3.5 feet in a matter of seconds due to the flash flood.

All of the victims have been identified.

The floodwaters washed away several vehicles carrying the idols. A number of houses were also damaged.

According to Rajen Murmu, a local resident, “the mishap could have been avoided if the administration had issued a warning about heavy rainfall in the hills and the possibility of a rise in water level.”