‘Advising tourists to stay put until rescued’: As flood toll crosses 14, Mamata opens 24/7 control room, to visit Darjeeling tomorrow

The chief minister said there was sudden rainfall exceeding 300 mm in 12 hours in North Bengal, adding that there was simultaneously excessive flow of water into the Sankosh river and river waters from Bhutan and Sikkim.
“We have been shocked and saddened to know that we have lost some brothers and sisters in the situation evolved by huge rainfall and river floods. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and shall send all assistance to the families immediately,” she wrote.

The chief minister highlighted that two iron bridges had collapsed, several roads damaged and flooded, and huge tracts of land in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar inundated. There have been reports of worrying damage and losses, particularly in Mirik, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Matigara, and Alipurduar, she added.

“I have been monitoring the situation from last night on round-the-clock basis. I have held virtual meeting with Chief Secretary, DG of Police, the North Bengal DMs and SPs, and the meeting has been attended also by public representatives like Gautam Deb and Anit Thapa. I am in constant touch and am personally going to North Bengal with my Chief Secretary tomorrow in this connection,” Banerjee wrote.

The chief minister advised stranded tourists to stay put wherever they are until they are rescued. “Meanwhile, we are advising the tourists in North Bengal to stay put where they are till our police evacuates them safely,” she wrote.

“Some places (like Mirik, due to natural position) have been affected severely, while many other places are also under our intensive monitoring. I am personally keeping information, giving instructions, and surveying the situations continually. Our officers and police will [provide] all assistance to all affected persons everywhere,” Banerjee wrote.

Thousands are stranded in Darjeeling, which is a major tourist destination. Considering the festive season rush, the Darjeeling police have issued the following advisory, “Due to heavy rainfall last night, landslides have occurred on some roads in Darjeeling, affecting traffic movement. Our teams are working to clear the roads, and normal traffic is expected to resume shortly. Tourists who are stranded or require assistance may contact the Darjeeling Police Control Room at +91 91478 89078 or may also message through WhatsApp.”

From the homepage

Amid internal strife in Naxal ranks, Amit Shah draws the red line: ‘What talks? Drop weapons or…’

Former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah hospitalised in Srinagar

Hyderabad youth in US for Master’s degree shot dead at gas station, where he worked part-time