Four persons were killed and at least 70 injured as a storm wreaked havoc in parts of Jalpaiguri district in northern West Bengal on Sunday.


Several houses were damaged, trees uprooted and electric poles fell as strong winds devastated most parts of the district headquarters town and many areas in neighbouring Mainaguri, as per officials.


A report in PTI said Rajarhat, Barnish, Bakali, Jorpakdi, Madhabdanga and Saptibari were among the worst affected areas.


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The deceased were identified as Dijendra Narayan Sarkar (52) of Senpara, Anima Burman (45) of Paharpur, Jagen Roy (72) of Putimari and Samar Roy (64) of Rajarhat.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to those killed in the natural disaster and said he asked officials to ensure proper assistance to those affected by the heavy rains. 






"My thoughts are with those affected by the storms in Jalpaiguri-Mainaguri areas of West Bengal. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Spoke to officials and asked them to ensure proper assistance to those impacted by the heavy rains. I would also urge all @BJP4Bengal Karyakartas to assist those affected," PM Modi posted on X.


Mamata Banerjee said five people have died in the disaster and several houses have been damaged. "Two others are in serious condition. The administration is on the spot and providing necessary help. Government is doing everything possible to help the victims," the Bengal CM said.


"A rescue operation is underway," a disaster management officer said. Quick response teams (QRTs) have also been deployed, and the affected people were being shifted to safer places, she said.


Dhupguri MLA Nirmal Chandra Roy told PTI that several people were admitted to hospital with injuries.


Mamata Banerjee Leaves For Jalpaiguri


The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal said CM Mamata Banerjee is urgently leaving for Jalpaiguri tonight to take stock of the situation and meet the cyclone-affected people. In view of this, TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee's tomorrow's visit to Jalpaiguri stands cancelled.


Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said personnel of the civil administration, police and disaster management have been deployed for the relief works.


"A disaster occurred due to which several houses were damaged and 5 people died. Two others are in serious condition. The administration is on the spot and providing necessary help. Government is doing everything possible to help the victims."



"Sad to know that sudden heavy rainfall and stormy winds brought disasters today afternoon in some Jalpaiguri-Maynaguri areas, with loss of human lives, injuries, house damages, uprooting of trees and electricity poles etc," she posted on X.


"District administration will provide compensation to next of kin in the case of the deaths, and the injured as per rules and following the MCC (model code of conduct)," she added.


Stating that she was with the affected families, Banerjee assured them that the administration would provide all sorts of assistance.