Catastrophic Storm Hits Jalpaiguri: Casualties Rise, Travel Severely Affected

Monday, April 1, 2024

Devastating norwester storm hits Jalpaiguri, killing 5, injuring 500, and severely impacting travel. CM Mamata Banerjee steps in for relief efforts.

In the wake of the norwester’s wrath upon Jalpaiguri district in north Bengal, a devastating scenario unfolded, claiming the lives of five individuals, including a woman, and injuring close to 500. This Sunday afternoon disaster also left an indelible mark on numerous homes and significantly disrupted travel, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee immediately stepping in. Altering her plans, Banerjee arrived in Jalpaiguri that night to directly assess the situation and extend her support to those caught in the cyclone’s aftermath, including a visit to the Jalpaiguri Super Specialty Hospital.

The storm’s impact was not limited to structural damage and casualties; it profoundly affected travel, rendering roads impassable and isolating communities. Spanning several square kilometers, the tempest surged around 3:30 pm and its ferocity subsided after about 10 minutes. This brief yet intense period saw not only the destruction of homes but also significant travel disruptions, with five lives lost and two individuals left in a critical state.

Amidst the chaos, Banerjee’s presence and assurances of government aid were a beacon of hope. She committed to the relief efforts, underlining the administration’s proactive role in providing essential assistance and noting the profound impact on travel and connectivity in the region. The Chief Minister underscored the collective grief over the loss of lives, deeming it the tragedy’s most grievous aspect.

In her expressions of gratitude towards the administration and healthcare workers for their disaster management, Banerjee acknowledged the extensive medical response. Hundreds of injured were treated across various facilities: 170 at Jalpaiguri Medical College and Hospital, approximately 200 at Maynaguri hospital, and around 100 at the Barnesh health center, with all operations further hampered by travel difficulties.

Moreover, the storm’s effects extended to nearby districts of Alipurduar and Cooch Behar, which also experienced similar disruptions, albeit without fatalities. These incidents underscored the broader impact on travel and infrastructure across the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting on the day’s events, offered his condolences for the deceased and emphasized the importance of ensuring aid reaches those affected, acknowledging the significant disruptions to travel and daily life. The storm’s aftermath was characterized by extensive property and infrastructure damage, including the uprooting of trees and the downfall of electric poles, which further complicated travel and emergency responses, as reported by PTI.

The district magistrate, Shama Parveen, identified the victims, marking a somber moment in the district’s history. This tragedy not only highlighted the physical damage inflicted by the norwester but also brought to the forefront the critical interruptions in travel, deeply affecting the community’s mobility and recovery efforts.

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