West Bengal’s chief minister Mamata Banerjee visited the wreckage of the Dudhia bridge in Mirik after a heavy‑rain‑driven flood and landslides killed 27 people, including a Nepali and a Bhutanese national, she said on Tuesday. The bridge, a vital link in the region, collapsed when water levels rose sharply, trapping villagers and sparking a tragedy that has left families grieving and authorities scrambling for answers.
During her visit, Banerjee described the disaster as “man‑made” and a result of flash flood and landslide triggered by relentless rain. “All departments are working hard in the rescue mission. Restoration work is already underway in Nagrakata and Mirik,” she said. She also said nine bodies had already been recovered from Nagrakata, a town not normally prone to flooding.
The chief minister pointed to gaps in state infrastructure and lack of funds from the central government. “We have not received money from the centre for five years. Awas Yogna and NREGA have been stopped. Other states get money, but we do not.” She promised that the government would repair damaged bridges and provide relief for those who lost homes and livelihoods.
Banerjee also addressed international concerns, saying the bodies of the Nepali and Bhutanese victims would be identified and sent back to their governments. She assured those in North Bengal of a special aid package, including community kitchens and camps for people who lost documents such as Aadhaar, ration, and PAN cards. A special “Homeguard” job would be given to a family member of every deceased, and the government would offer an ex‑gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to each family.
The chief minister urged people to stay calm, avoid rumors, and cooperate with officials. “We must show unity and patience,” she said. “The administration stands with the affected families. Together we will overcome this disaster.”
Earlier on Monday, authorities confirmed 18 deaths across Darjeeling district amid the downpour. Eleven of those were in Wuthering’s tourist town of Mirik, four in Jorebunglow, two in Sukhia Pokhari, and one in the city of Darjeeling. Banerjee’s visit to Jalpaiguri and her calls for relocation of people from low‑lying areas underscore the urgency of the state’s response plan.
With the floods leaving a trail of damage and loss, Mamata Banerjee’s engagement on the front lines and her pledge of emergency relief aim to bring quick support to those affected while the state works to restore infrastructure and prevent future tragedies.
Source: aninews
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