Breach in embankment submerges villages in West Bengal

A breach in an embankment off the River Kalyani has submerged several villages in West Bengal's Cooch Behar District, forcing people to move up towards safer havens.

The incessant rainfall and flood resulted in loss of property in the villages of Natabari, Chilakhana and Bhuchumari. The overflow of river water also damaged acres of farmland.

Sub-Divisional officer Bikash Saha said that fifteen relief camps have been arranged for the homeless and free kitchen service was provided to them.

"After release of water from Bhutan, the water level in river Kalyani was above the red level. Due to the breach in embankment, the water flowed into villages due to incessant rainfall. Around 1655 families covering 8670 people are affected," said Saha.

An affected villager Bipul Kar said that the situation is pathetic as their lives have come to a standstill.

"The condition is really bad as everything has submerged. The condition is so bad that there is no stability. There are problems of cooking and eating due to dilapidated condition of houses," said Kar.

Similar conditions prevailed in Siliguri town in Darjeeling district of the state which received 150mm rainfall on Tuesday that triggered a flood-like situation disrupting normal life.

Last week's heavy showers in the Himalayas inundated nearly 1,500 villages in northern India, killing 80 people and leaving thousands homeless, according to the latest official updates.

Thousands were marooned in villages across nine districts of Uttar Pradesh, where the release of water from overflowing dams in neighbouring Nepal has added to the impact of the downpours.

The latest heavy rains in month of August have caused landslides and floods in many parts of India and Nepal.