Jalpaiguri storm: Toll rises to 5, hundreds injured

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday late night rushed to Jalpaiguri after an unpredicted natural calamity in the poll-bound northern region of the state, taking stock and visiting the cyclone-affected people.

Storms on Sunday afternoon resulted in numerous deaths, including a woman, causing damage to houses and hundreds of injuries, many of whom have been admitted to hospitals.

The north-westerly storm swept through many villages spread across a few square kilometres at around 3.40 p.m. and ravaged properties for over 5 minutes, sources said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of human lives and said he had spoken with the officials and asked them to ensure proper assistance to those affected by the natural calamity.

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

"I would also urge all @BJP4Bengal Karyakartas to assist those affected," Modi assured.

State Governor CV Ananda Bose would rush the affected districts and said the administration would take the necessary steps for the rehabilitation of the affected people.

The storms also affected neighbouring Alipuduar and Cooch Behar districts, where the first phase of polling is slated for April 19.

Mamata Banerjee said a disaster occurred, due to which several houses were damaged and five people died. Two others are in serious condition.

"The administration is on the spot and providing the necessary help. The government is doing everything possible to help the victims," she reiterated.

Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari said, "I am deeply anguished and pained to learn about the devastation caused by the massive storm that engulfed large stretches of Jalpaiguri and Mainaguri.

"People have lost their lives, many have been injured, large-scale property has been damaged, livestock has been killed, and trees have been uprooted. The BJP leadership and Karyakartas are on the ground, helping people as much as possible."