India: Five dead and at least 500 injured after Jalpaiguri storm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to families of the dead.

On Sunday afternoon, a storm killed at least five people, including a woman, and injured approximately 500 others in two locations in north Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, causing extensive damage to houses.

The storm that hit Bengal’s villages at 3.30 p.m. local time, lasted about 10 minutes.

Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister, cancelled her scheduled engagements and arrived in Jalpaiguri on Sunday night. She assessed the situation and went to Jalpaiguri Super Specialty Hospital to meet with those affected by the cyclone.

Mamata Banerjee told the media that following the passage of the storm, multiple houses were damaged and 5 deaths were reported. She added that two other people are in serious condition, receiving treatment.

She also complimented the administration for their disaster management efforts. "The doctors, nurses and hospital workers are working well to manage the situation. The rescue operations are already over," she added.

Approximately 170 injured people were admitted to Jalpaiguri Medical College and Hospital. Nearly 200 people were evacuated to Maynaguri Hospital, while another 100 were treated at Barnesh Health Centre.

Similar storms struck areas of the neighbouring Aliupurduar and Cooch Behar districts as well, although no one was injured.

Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to families of the dead after the cyclone that wreaked havoc in sections of Jalpaiguri district. Modi said he spoke with officials and instructed them to ensure that those affected received necessary support.

"My thoughts are with those affected by the storms in Jalpaiguri-Mainaguri areas of West Bengal. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones," PM Modi wrote in a post on X (formerly X).

My thoughts are with those affected by the storms in Jalpaiguri-Mainaguri areas of West Bengal. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.

Spoke to officials and asked them to ensure proper assistance to those impacted by the heavy rains.

I would also urge all…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2024