Hundreds homeless in flash flood

17 June 2011

SILIGURI, 17 JUNE: At least 300 families were rendered homeless in a flash flood in the  Pashchim Dhantala area of Dabgram-II gram panchayat in Jalpaiguri's Rajganj block early today.
River Mahananda was in spate after heavy rains in the Hills last night and the river breached its banks at many places, including the Dhantala area. The floodwaters gushed into the village where an embankment was unfinished, villager alleged.
Though floodwaters receded gradually at noon, flood victims are spending sleepless night fearing fresh flood. The local panchayat member, Mr Paresh Roy, said: “An embankment was under construction at Mahananda Barrage colony. It was decided that a sluice gate would be set up there but it was yet to be completed. Suddenly flood waters began gushing into the village through the incomplete part.”
Villagers were helpless when floodwaters rapidly inundated their homes. They were in no position to save their lives, belongings and cattle.
The Rajganj BDO, Mr Sutirtha Das, said: “Our officials visited the spot on receiving reports from gram panchayat. The water started receding from midday today. We are waiting for written report from our officials who visited the spot. We would request the Siliguri irrigation division to take up flood preventive measures there.” “We would provide relief materials to the victims through official process,” Mr Das added.  The river Mahanada has lost its depth and capacity of carrying floodwaters due to heavy silt deposit, irrigation officials said. The SDO, Siliguri irrigation division, Mr SK Das, said: “ We would visit the spot to take further measures.” Owing to heavy rain, which was recorded at 26 mm in the Hills last night, the water level of the river touched 115.6 metre, far below the danger mark, today. sns