Large parts of Malda inundated

MALDA, Aug. 18: Overflowing water from the Fulohar river has inundated large areas in the northern end of Malda district affecting more than 50,000 people in the four blocks of Harischandrapur-I and II and Ratua-I and II. The irrigation department officials have warned people in the protected areas.The river Kosi, which is connected with the Ganga and the Fulohar, has started flowing back inundating large parts of unprotected areas like Bilaimari and Mahanandatola in Ratua block. In Harishchandrapur I and II large areas of cropland and many villages have come under water. The district administration allotted 3000 tarpaulin sheets and food grains for relief in Chanchal sub- division yesterday. The Chanchal SDO Mr Debashis Sarkar said, “Villages like Islampur, Doulatabad, Uttar Bhakuria, Kaouadol, Kopakati and others have been affected. In some places people are living in makeshift structures. More people are yet to come out of waterlogged areas.” According to him, 1000 tarpaulin sheets have been allotted in the affected blocks along with foodgrains. The irrigation department officials fear that the flood situation may turn critical if the Fulohar breaches an embankment. The water level of the Fulohar rose up to 26 cms touching 28.56 metres at Teljana point near Bhaluka in Harischandrapur since yesterday. The water level is still rising due to rains in north Bengal and parts of Bihar, irrigation department officials, said. On the other hand, the water level of the Ganga is still increasing steadily crossing 25.08 metres at Manikchak Ghaat due to rainfall in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.Studying the water level trend of the Ganga in the upper catchments, Mr Soumen Misra, executive engineer, irrigation department, said: “ Water level will continue to rise till 22 August here. Further rainfall may turn the situation critical.” The Mahananda is also flowing above 20.35 metres in English Bazaar town. Many people who live on either side of the river have been shifted.n SNS