Kranti & Mal blocks: Relief distribution commences as floodwaters recede

NEARLY 500 HOMES WERE SUBMERGED ON TUESDAY

- OUR CORRESPONDENT

JALPAIGURI/DARJEELING: As flood waters began to recede in Jalpaiguri's Kranti and Mal blocks on Wednesday, authorities initiated relief distribution to the affected families. Nearly 500 homes were submerged on Tuesday due to continuous rainfall in Sikkim and heavy water discharge from the Teesta Barrage.

Relief efforts gained momentum with Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb visiting affected areas, including Pandit Para, Basusuba and Master's Para in Chapadanga, Sahebbari and Paschim Dalaigaon under Changmari Gram Panchayat and Apalchad and Totgaon in Bagrakot Panchayat. Deb distributed dry food, drinking water and essential supplies to the displaced residents.

"The Chief Minister instructed me to assess the ground reality and ensure immediate relief reaches the people," said Deb. "This area did not experience such flooding before 2023 but now even moderate rainfall combined with barrage discharge is leading to inundation.