Death toll rises to 29, CM visits Nagrakata, assures support

Thedeath tollin north Bengal's devastating natural calamities has climbed to 29, with five more deaths reported from Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri district following incessant rainfall and rising river waters.

- MANAS R BANNERJEE

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday visited flood relief centres in Nagrakata, interacted with flood-affected families, inspected a vulnerable spot, and handed over cheques ofRsSlakheachas compensation tothe next of kin of those who lost their lives in the calamity.

She announced that one member from each bereaved family would be given employmentas a special home guard in the state police department, and instructed the families to contact the superintendent of police to facilitate their appointments.

Speaking to reporters, the chief minister said, “Five persons have died in Nagrakata, while 23 have lost their lives in the Darjeeling Hills. The state government will provide one job per family to those who have lost their loved ones.”

Itmay benoted that among the victims in Darjeeling, five were Nepal nationals, and the total number of deaths in the Hills stands at 24, primarily due to massive landslides triggered by heavy rains.

CM slams Centreover relief funds

MsBanerjee strongly criticised the Central government, alleging that it has not released a single paisa for flood relief operations.

“The Centre has not yet released any funds for flood relief. The state, from its own resources, has extended all possible support to the flood and disaster-affected families,” she said.