The sudden thunderstorm and hailstorm that struck West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district resulted in significant damage and loss of life on Sunday. At least four people lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries as a result of the extreme weather conditions.
The storm brought strong gusty winds that caused damage to several houses, uprooted trees, and knocked down electric poles across various parts of Jalpaiguri and neighboring Mainaguri. Areas like Rajarhat, Barnish, Bakali, Jorpakdi, Madhabdanga, and Saptibari were particularly hard-hit.
Rescue efforts were promptly initiated by disaster management authorities, with personnel working to provide assistance and support to affected individuals and communities. Dhupguri MLA Nirmal Chandra Roy reported that several injured individuals had been admitted to hospitals for treatment.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences for the lives lost and directed civil administration, police, and disaster management personnel to undertake relief operations. Quick response teams were deployed to provide immediate assistance, and affected individuals were relocated to safer locations.
Mamata Banerjee assured the affected communities that the district administration would provide necessary assistance, including compensation to the families of those who lost their lives and support for the injured, per established protocols and the Model Code of Conduct.
The incident highlights the importance of preparedness and prompt response to natural disasters, as well as the need for effective coordination between government agencies and local communities to mitigate the impact of such events.
