West Bengal is facing a severe flooding crisis, with 26 lives lost and 250,000 people displaced. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has blamed officials in neighboring Jharkhand for opening dam sluice gates, which she claims worsened the flooding. Images show rescuers in boats assisting families and a local hospital completely submerged. In response, Banerjee has closed the border with Jharkhand for three days. Meanwhile, a Jharkhand representative argued that releasing water was necessary to prevent dam damage and larger floods. As rainfall subsides, the Damodar Valley Corporation has reduced water releases, but many residents remain in relief camps, relying on boats for transportation. Climate change is contributing to these extreme weather events in India, experts warn.
West Bengal Faces Flood Crisis: 26 Lives Lost and Thousands Displaced
In a tragic turn of events, eastern India is grappling with a severe flooding crisis that has claimed the lives of 26 people and forced 250,000 others to evacuate their homes. The crisis escalated when authorities in the neighboring state of Jharkhand opened dam sluice gates, releasing large amounts of water and exacerbating the flooding situation in West Bengal.
Images broadcasted on television show emergency responders using boats to rescue stranded individuals, while a state-run hospital in a local village remains completely submerged. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the media, stating that the crisis was caused by actions taken by Jharkhand, labeling the flooding as “man-made.” In light of the situation, she has ordered the closure of the border with Jharkhand for three days to manage the crisis.
On the other hand, Jharkhand officials, including Supriyo Bhattacharya, defended their decision to open the dams, stating it was necessary to prevent potential damage. He emphasized that keeping the water trapped could have led to catastrophic flooding in both states.
The Damodar Valley Corporation, responsible for managing the dams along the Damodar river, announced that they have reduced water release as rainfall has finally started to ease. Meanwhile, residents in the worst-hit areas, like Ghatal village, are depending on boats for transportation and seeking refuge in relief camps as they cope with the aftermath of this disaster.
As India faces increasingly destructive floods each year, experts warn that climate change is contributing to shifting weather patterns, intensifying the frequency and severity of such extreme weather events.
Tags: West Bengal, Flooding Crisis, Jharkhand, Mamata Banerjee, Climate Change, Natural Disasters
What did Mamata blame for the flooding in her area?
Mamata blamed the release of water from a dam in Jharkhand for the flooding.
Why was the dam water released?
The water was released because of heavy rainfall and to manage water levels.
How does dam water release cause flooding?
When a dam releases a lot of water quickly, it can overwhelm rivers and low-lying areas, causing floods.
Is the flooding a common problem in this area?
Yes, flooding can happen during heavy rains, but this situation has been made worse by the dam release.
What is being done to address the flooding issue?
Local officials are assessing the damage and working on relief measures to help those affected by the floods.
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