Thousands impacted as floods hit West Midnapore; evacuations ongoing

Continuous torrential rains have plunged West Midnapore district into a serious flood situation, with the swollen Shilabati river inundating vast areas and affecting thousands. The grim reality has hit 11 gram panchayats in Gadhbeta-1 block and three gram panchayats in Gadhbeta-2 block, leaving them submerged under floodwaters. The devastation extends beyond these areas, with floodwaters also entering numerous localities, including Chandrakona in the Ghatal subdivision.

District administration sources report that several thousand people have been directly impacted by the escalating flood crisis. Urgent evacuation efforts are underway, with affected residents being moved to safer locations and temporary relief camps established across the district. Authorities are prioritizing the well-being of those displaced, ensuring adequate provisions of food items, drinking water, and essential medicines are readily available at these flood relief centers.

In a proactive move to mitigate further risk, an administrative officer confirmed that over 100 families have already been safely evacuated from three distinct vulnerable areas. The focus remains on continuous monitoring of the situation and swift action to rescue and provide aid to all those in distress. The district braces for further challenges as the rains persist and river levels remain high.