Kolkata: Heavy monsoon has wreaked havoc on West Bengal, killing at least two people and leaving many homeless. A flood-like situation was reported in several parts, particularly in the coastal areas over the past two days.
A flood alert has been issued by state government. The water level in some districts, including Kangsabati in West Midnapore, is flowing above the danger mark for the last two days.
According to Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), on Monday, Kolkata received more than 83 mm of rainfall till the evening.
“Heavy rain is likely to persist tomorrow due to low pressure over Gangetic Bengal and adjoining Jharkhand. The situation likely to be worst due to upper air cyclonic circulation in Bengal and in Jharkhand,” a source in the Met department said, adding that acute spells of rain or thundershowers were likely until Tuesday.
Fishermen in the coastal areas were alerted and asked not to venture into the sea.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday held an emergency meeting and asked the concerned ministry to arrange relief material, including food, drinking water, Milk powder to flood affected people.
Special control rooms have been set up at the state secretariat Nabanna and leaves of all officials and employees of the Irrigation Department have been cancelled until October 31.
Speaking to media, state irrigation minister Rajib Banerjee said, “Situation worsened after Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) released 18,000 cusecs of water from its dams following heavy downpour in Jharkhand. We have requested DVC not to release more water as this could lead to more problems.”
“I have asked all district officials to work round the clock to provide relief materials to those affected. Next two days will be crucial and we are fully prepared to tackle any situation. No breach of embankments reported from anywhere in Bengal. We are closely monitoring the water level,” he said.
In Kolkata and its neighbouring areas, daily commuters had a harrowing time due to waterlogged streets at Ultadanga, Central Avenue, Shyambazar, Garia, Esplanade, Barasat, Lake Town, Behala.
Officials of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) installed water pumps in many areas to clear the roads.
More than 70 wards in Kolkata, Howrah and Hooghly were inundated. Worst affected districts are Hooghly, Burdwan, Birbhum, Nadia, Howrah, South 24-Parganas.
“There are high chances of high tide. Therefore, all the lock gates had to be closed to restrict river water from entering the city,” a source in the state irrigation department said.
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