West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday claimed that the state government had evacuated at least 20,000 people from their homes before the recent North Bengal floods, and rescued 1,300 people during the “disaster”.

“… Otherwise, what would have happened, I don’t know. In this disaster, a total of 32 persons died — 21 from Darjeeling district, nine from Jalpaiguri and two from Cooch Behar. We have already given their families Rs 5 lakh compensation and one job of Special Home Guard to each family,” said Banerjee.

She also announced that families of those who lost their lives in Kolkata before Durga Puja due to electrocution from torrential rains will be given Rs 2 lakh financial assistance and one Special Home Guard job each. She said the compensation for those 12 persons would be distributed during the Kali Puja inauguration in Kolkata.

On Wednesday, Banerjee trekked up to Tiger Hill in Darjeeling before attending an administrative review meeting at Lalkuthi, where she also interacted with residents.

Addressing the meeting, she said the state government was carrying out reconstruction work as several houses, health centres and administrative buildings had been damaged in Mirik, parts of Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and other areas.

“Mere criticism (of the State’s relief and rescue measures) won’t help mitigate people’s miseries. One should stand by the affected and extend help,” she said.

Banerjee further announced that the state government has opened a dedicated account under the Disaster Management Department for people who wish to contribute financially to relief efforts. “The fund is named the ‘West Bengal State Disaster Management Authority’. We are not begging. If anyone is willing, they can contribute to this account,” she said.

“Till date, no one has helped us, but we have continued our relief programme and helped all distressed people. The district administration distributed 16,000 relief kits, and I personally distributed 5,000 kits,” Banerjee said.

The Chief Minister claimed that 37 relief camps for more than 6,000 people are currently operational, while 53 community kitchens have been started to help the flood-hit people in hill areas.

The Chief Minister had travelled to North Bengal on Sunday to monitor the flood-hit areas and oversee relief operations. She will remain in Darjeeling on Thursday and return to Kolkata on Friday to begin the inauguration of Kali Puja celebrations in different parts of the city.