Mamata Banerjee pledges aid, jobs for flood victims; Rijiju extends support

KOLKATA: At least 32 people were killed and several others remained missing after landslides and flash floods triggered by continuous rain passing through North Bengal damaged houses, bridges and roads in Mirik, Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri districts. Among the dead were five children and two foreign nationals from Nepal and Bhutan.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who visited the worst-hit Dudhiya district in Mirik, assured residents that a comprehensive survey would be conducted to assess losses and affected families would be compensated once water levels receded.

“We will see damage to houses, roads and bridges in the floods. A temporary bridge will be completed to reconnect Mirik,” Banerjee said after handing over compensation checks to the victims and families of the deceased. he said.
The state government has announced Rs 5 lakh for each bereaved family, along with relief materials and financial assistance for those who lost their homes. “We are constructing a new concrete bridge in Mirik, costing ₹ 54 crore. The old one had collapsed. Temporary wooden bridges are also being reconstructed in the area,” the Chief Minister said. he said. One member of each bereaved family will get a government job as home guards within a month, he added.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju said the center is ready to provide full support to the relief and restoration efforts. “We are coordinating with the state government to ensure rapid rehabilitation,” he said.