Jalpaiguri cyclone: Marooned, homeless residents await relief, rehabilitation
West Bengal: Residents of Jalpaiguri city and its surrounding areas are struggling after Sunday’s storm, which left at least five people dead and over 200 homeless.
Amidst the chaos, a helpless Pankaj Ray gazes at the ruins of his home, surrounded by shattered bricks and twisted tin walls. Their family, once united by love, now bears the scars of the storm. While one member of the family is fighting for life in the hospital, others are struggling to manage two meals a day.
Ten-year-old Anjali sits holding her father’s hand, seeking solace amid the devastation. Their once happy abode has been torn to pieces, forcing them to wander from place to place in search of a place to live.
Anjali said, “Where will we go, Baba? Our shelter is gone.” His father Pankaj had no answer.
People PTI spoke to had no idea when life would return to normal.
“The storm that came from nowhere has destroyed our houses. We don’t know how and when we can rebuild it,” said Kajol Dutta, a resident of Mainaguri, about 40 km from Jalpaiguri.
Efforts are underway by rescue workers to clear the debris and provide assistance to the affected people.
Nearly 200 people were injured and several houses were damaged, trees were uprooted and electric poles fell as strong winds accompanied by hailstorm lashed most parts of the district headquarters town and several areas of neighboring Mainaguri.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who visited the district late on Sunday night, assured the people of all possible help from the administration.
“So far, we have reports of five deaths. The number of injured is much higher. I met the injured and family members of those killed in the storm. The state administration will do everything to help the affected families.” ” He said.
Asked about providing compensation, Banerjee said, “Since the model code of conduct is in place, I can’t say anything about it. You will have to talk to the district administration.” Banerjee, accompanied by TMC party leaders, visited Jalpaiguri Medical College and Hospital and on the way spoke to people in relief camps in other parts of the district.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari underlined the importance of giving priority to aid to the needy, saying relief operations should not be politicized.
The worst-affected areas of the district include Rajarhat, Barnish, Bakali, Jorpakdi, Madhabdanga and Saptibari, officials said, adding that several acres of agricultural land and crops have been damaged.
Governor CV Anand Bose also reached Jalpaiguri on Monday.
Before boarding the plane, Bose told reporters, “It is very unfortunate. There has been loss of life and property in the storm. All agencies are working together. I will visit the area and talk to the people there. Everything will be done.” “
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of life and property in the storm and said he had spoken to officials and asked them to ensure proper assistance to the affected people.
Dhupguri MLA Nirmal Chandra Roy told PTI that several people have been admitted to the hospital with injuries.
Officials said an emergency room has also been opened at Raj Bhavan to deal with the situation in Jalpaiguri.
