Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the deceased family and Rs 50,000 to those wounded during immersion of Durga idols in north Bengal’s Mal river on Wednesday night.
” A tragic flash flood hit the Mal River in Jalpaiguri as Durga Visarjan was underway. 8 people lost their lives, I pray that their families find strength & solace in these difficult times. 13 people are undergoing treatment at Mal SSH ( super speciality hospital), I pray for their speedy recovery,” Banerjee said on her Twitter post.
She said the search and rescue operations by NDRF and SDRF were still underway.
” Around 70 people were saved by the efforts of the police, Civil Defence Volunteers and local youth. I commend their selfless service. There have been no reports of missing persons so far,” she said.
” An ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh will be given to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. For any assistance kindly reach out to the following helpline numbers- 03561230780 / 9073936815. Let us stand together in these times of distress,” the Chief Minister said.