According to officials, two of the victims – identified as Bijendra Narayan Sarkar (52) and Anima Barman (49) – were from Sadar block in Jalpaiguri sub-division. The other two, identified as Jogen Roy (72) and Samar Roy (64), were from Maynaguri block.
While Jogen was declared brought dead to hospital, Samar succumbed to his injuries at the Mainaguri Hospital, they added.
“The storm has caused extensive damage in the area. Five people have died and several are admitted in the hospital,” said a police officer in Jalpaiguri.
The chief minister left for Jalpaiguri on Sunday night to take stock of the situation. Speaking to media outside Bagdogra Airport, Banerjee said, “I am going to Jalpaiguri Sadar which has seen the impact of the cyclone. A similar storm hit Cooch Behar and Alipurduar but Jalpaiguri is most affected. So far, five have died. We are there for all the affected people in every way.”
Earlier during the day, she had taken to ‘X’ to condole the deaths and said the district administration would be providing compensation to the victims’ families. She also said police and quick response teams have been pressed into service to assist in relief operations.
“Sad to know that sudden heavy rainfall and stormy winds brought disasters today afternoon in some Jalpaiguri-Maynaguri areas, with loss of human lives, injuries, house damage, uprooting of trees and electricity poles etc. District and block administration, police, DMG and QRT teams swung into disaster management operations and are providing relief. Affected people are being shifted to safer places. The district administration will provide compensation to the next of kin in the case of the deaths, and the injured as per rules and following the MCC. I stand with the affected families and I am sure the district administration will continue to take all measures to provide rescue and relief,” the chief minister wrote.
PM Modi also appealed to BJP workers to assist those who have been affected by the storm. “My thoughts are with those affected by the storms in Jalpaiguri-Maynaguri areas of West Bengal. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Spoke to officials and asked them to ensure proper assistance to those impacted by the heavy rains. I would also urge all BJP karyakartas to assist those affected,” PM Modi wrote on ‘X’.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor Dr C V Ananda Bose has set up an emergency cell at the Raj Bhavan to address grievances of those affected by the storm. Major Nikhil Kumar, ADC to the Governor will be the nodal officer for the cell.
According to reports, the Governor is in touch with the Disaster Management Authority in Delhi and has asked for more reinforcements to be sent to Jalpaiguri Bose is also expected to visit Jalpaiguri on Monday to meet local residents, officials said, adding that the Peace Room (Helpline No. 033-22001641) will be operational throughout the day.