Flash floods hit Mal River in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri during Durga idol immersion on Wednesday, October 5. As per reports, at least eight people have died while several others are feared missing.
The incident occurred around 9 pm in Jalpaiguri’s Malbazar, where a large crowd had gathered to immerse Durga idols to celebrate Vijaya Dasami.
“All of a sudden, flash floods struck, and people were swept away. So far, eight bodies have been recovered and we have rescued around 50 people," Jalpaiguri District Magistrate Moumita Godara told PTI. “The search and rescue operations are underway and being carried out by teams of the NDRF, SDRF, police and local administration. The search operations have started downstream," she added.
While many people were washed away, authorities and locals managed to fish out seven bodies. "National Disaster Response Force and civil defence has been deployed, and rescue is underway," Jalpaiguri SP Debarshi Dutta told ANI.
The Prime Minister's Office said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was anguished by the mishap during Durga Puja festivities in Jalpaiguri. "Condolences to those who lost their loved ones: PM," the PMO tweeted.
(This is a developing story and will be updated with more inputs)
First Published: Oct 6, 2022 12:20 AM IST
