A thunderstorm wreaked havoc in Jalpaiguri, 5 people dead, 300 injured

A sudden thunderstorm wreaked havoc in several areas of Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, claiming the lives of five people and leaving over 300 others injured. The storm, which struck on Sunday, was accompanied by a hailstorm that battered homes and infrastructure, causing extensive damage across the region. Videos of the intense hailstorm circulated widely on social media platforms, capturing the destructive force of nature.

Disaster damages houses, kills five

The aftermath of the storm revealed a grim scene, with nearly 800 houses damaged, numerous trees uprooted, and electric poles toppled, plunging areas into darkness. The powerful gusts of wind swept through Jalpaiguri and neighbouring Mainaguri, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

Among the injured were two children in critical condition, who were swiftly transferred to North Bengal Medical College for urgent medical care. Many others continue to receive treatment at Jalpaiguri District Hospital for various storm-related injuries.

Eyewitnesses described the storm's onset as sudden and fierce, originating near the Teesta River and escalating into a deafening roar that uprooted trees and caused widespread damage. Homes, motorcycles, and cars were tossed around like toys under the relentless force of nature.

The impact of the storm extended beyond Jalpaiguri, affecting nearby districts such as Coochbehar and Alipurduar, compounding the region's challenges in dealing with the aftermath.

Significantly, they reported significant damage to agricultural land and crops, identifying Rajarhat, Bakali, Jorpakdi, Saptibari, Barnish, and Madhabdanga as some of the worst-hit areas.

Dr. Somenath Dutta, Head of Meteorological Training Institute at India Meteorological Department (IMD) speaking to Ground Report said that "for the coming two days, the weather will remain similar to what we experienced yesterday in this particular region. There will be thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall. We have already issued a warning on this".

He mentioned that "once we receive the report by this afternoon, we will then be able to understand what actually happened and how. The report will subsequently be submitted to the IMD director.”

Mamata assures help after disaster

Mamata Banerjee, speaking to the media, said that a disaster had occurred causing damage to several houses and resulting in the death of five people. She added that two others are in serious condition.

"The administration is on the spot and providing the necessary help. The government is doing everything possible to help the victims," the chief minister assured.

“The administration shall stand by the needy people. We are aware of the damage that has happened. The biggest damage that has happened is the loss of lives,” Mamata Banerjee said.

She also thanked the administration for their disaster management efforts.

"The doctors, nurses and hospital workers are working well to manage the situation. The rescue operations are already over," she added.

Tamjit Chakraborty, Sub Divisional Officer of Jalpaiguri Sadar, told Ground Report, “We have dispatched Civil Defense Teams to the affected areas and commenced rescue operations. The police administration is also present at the site. We have instructed the Block Development Officers (BDOs) to assist the affected families and take immediate appropriate action.”

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