Torrential rain triggers flood-like situation in Siliguri

Prashant Acharya, EOI, Siliguri, 29 June 2014: The last two days’ incessant heavy downpour has triggered a flood-like situation in several parts of North Bengal with Darjeeling districts being one of the worst hit since the water level of River Mahananda continues to rise.

The water level of River Mahananda, which flows along Siliguri town, is rising to an alarming rate due to the continuous rainfall since Saturday evening. The most affected areas in the town include Patherghata, Champasari Anchal, Surya Sen Colony, Fulbari Gram Panchayat, New Chumpta, Salbari and many more.

When contacted, North Bengal development minister Gautam Deb said, "We are keeping a close watch on the situation. We have enough relief material for the affected people."

Jotsna Das (65), an old lady, was admitted to the Siliguri district hospital after a fencing wall collapsed on her hut due to the continuous rain which injured her badly. Local people alleged the wall was on the verge of collapse and finally it fell down after being wet by the rain.

Meanwhile, the people of Siliguri fear of the recurrence of the flood situation of 2012 when Army was deployed after Mahananda River washed away about its 700-meter-long embankment.