Twenty seven rain-related deaths in West Bengal

The rain-related toll in West Bengal climbed to 27 RPT 27 today with four deaths reported as major rivers were still flowing above the red mark affecting a population of 26 lakh in 14 districts. Two deaths each were reported from West Midnapore and from Burdwan districts, Chief Secretary Samar Ghosh told reporters here.

Of the 27 casualties, 14 were men and 13 women, Ghosh said. A population of 26 lakh were affected in 208 blocks and 60 municipalities with 1,66,219 houses damaged.

The chief secretary said that major rivers flowing above danger mark included the Damodar at Amta, Keleghai at Amgachia, the Jamuna at Gaighata, the Jalangi at Swarupganj, the Rupnarayan at Ranichak, Chandia at Barisa and the Kangsabati at Kalinjole.

Breaches were reported in embankments of rivers Chandia, Keleghai, New Cossy and the Rupnarayan in East Midnapore district with engineers of the Irrigation Department at work, he said. The second battalion of the state disaster response team was deployed at Udaynarayanpur area in Howrah district for rescue operations.

The DVC and other dams discharged 65,000 cusecs since 9:00 am, the Central Water Commission said. Approximately 79,000 cusecs were expected to be released from the Durgapur barrage later in the day, it said.

At present, 5,000 cusecs were being discharged from Kangsabati dam which would be decreased gradually.

A total of 268 relief camps were running in the affected districts sheltering 29,459 people, Ghosh said.

Stating that the next of kin of each of the victims would receive Rs two lakh, he said that Rs 42 lakh was allotted to district magistrates to make disbursements.

Altogether 10,000 pieces of tarpaulin sheets and Rs five lakh in relief were distributed in the affected areas. The chief secretary said 6.53 lakh pouches of water were distributed and 10 mobile water treatment units despatched. He said 379 medical teams were working in the affected districts. 325 cattle treatment clinics were also opened.