West Bengal continues to battle floods, state government sets up panel to monitor situation

Several districts in West Bengal are facing flood-like situation. As much as 80% area of Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Hooghly districts is currently affected by floods. Midnapore, Nadia, and 24 Parganas districts are also facing the danger of floods. Roads and lands remain submerged with rivers swelling up in most parts of the state. Even crop land has been severely affected due to heavy rainfall.

The depression over northeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh is giving good rains over the region. The southern part of West Bengal i.e. Gangetic West Bengal has been receiving very heavy rainfall triggered by this depression.

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In last 24 hours, Bankura has received 97 mm of rainfall, Kolkata 51 mm, Bardhaman 35 mm, and Shantiniketan has received 29 mm of rain. River Bavla and Hooghly are also flowing above the danger mark. Due to heavy rainfall, Tilpara, Baidhra, and Deocha Barrage have been opened by authorities. A three-member committee has also been formed to monitor the flood situation in the state and take appropriate measures.

Several thousand people have been displaced due to floods in West Bengal. Shortage of food and basic needs has been reported in various parts of the state. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is currently in London, has also been slammed by local leaders for being inconsiderate towards the condition of the people of West Bengal.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue over the Gangetic West Bengal region for next 2 to 3 days. This is likely to further worsen the flood situation in the state.

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