The West Bengal Minister for Irrigation and Waterways, Manas Ranjan Bhunia, said earlier this week that nearly 2,00,000 people have been affected by the floods in Ghatal, Paschim Medinipur district, and roughly 2,000 people have been evacuated by the State.
Ghatal and adjoining areas like Garbeta and Chandrakona in Paschim Medinipur district are flood prone. The floods were caused by heavy rainfall and the release of water from reservoirs, which led the Silabati and Dwarakeshwar rivers to break their banks.
This year too, severe damage has been caused to residential areas, roads, and agricultural land in parts of Paschim Medinipur, Howrah, Hooghly, and Bankura districts following heavy rainfall and the release of water by the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) last week. The Minister said the flood crisis in Ghatal has been “the worst since 1978,” and over 100 villages have been affected.
Two persons drowned, Mr. Bhunia confirmed, adding that the flood is receding now.
Centre delayed funds
