At least eight people, who had gone for idol immersion, were drowned in the Mal river due to flash floods in North Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district. It is said that a large number of people had gathered on the banks of the river to immerse the idols of Goddess Durga. Four women were among those killed in the tragic incident.
Moumita Godara Basu, Jalpaiguri district magistrate said that “Eight people, including a child, were killed and 13 others were injured”.More than 50 people have been rescued. There are no reports of any missing persons. The search operation is still going on downstream. It’s still raining.”
The incident took place around 9.30 pm at Malbazar. Heavy rains in the foothills of the Himalayas cause floods in the Mal river like most rivers. It was raining heavily in the hills of Kalimpong when the accident took place. Devotees were not aware of the rising water level in the upper stream of the river.
Officials said a large number of people had gathered on the banks of the river. Due to the flash floods, the water level rose from six inches to 3.5 feet in a few seconds. All the victims have been identified. Several vehicles carrying the idols were washed away in the flood waters. Several houses have also been damaged.
“The accident could have been averted if the administration had warned about heavy rains and the possibility of rising water levels in the hills,” said Rajen Murmu, a local resident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the floods. He tweeted “Anguished by mishap during Durga Puja festivities in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones”.
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