West Bengal: 8 die in flash flood during idol immersion in Jalpaiguri, PM Modi mourns
Jalpaiguri: At least eight people died in a flash flood in the Mal river in north Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district on Wednesday night when a large number of people had gathered on the river bank to witness idol immersion.
Wednesday marked the final day of the Durga Puja festival.
“Eight persons, including a child, were killed and 13 others were injured. More than 50 persons were rescued. There is no information of anyone missing. Search operation is still on. It is still raining,” Moumita Godara Basu, district magistrate of Jalpaiguri district, told Hindustan Times.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the loss of lives in the tragedy.
He tweeted: " Anguished by the mishap during Durga Puja festivities in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones."
The Prime Minister has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs to the next kin of deceased and Rs. 50,000 to those injured in the tragic mishap from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
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