Norwester wreaks havoc in N Bengal: 1 killed, several injured with thousands of houses damaged

Darjeeling: A Norwester on Thursday night wreaked havoc in the districts of Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri in North Bengal. A person died and many others were injured, leaving thousands of houses badly damaged.

"Akhil Sutradhar (55) of Marichbari died after sustaining injuries from a tree that was uprooted. In Marichbari village alone, 150 houses were totally damaged and 400 houses were partially damaged. Relief in the form of GR, tarpaulin and baby food is being distributed among the affected," stated Pawan Kadyan, District Magistrate, Cooch Behar.

4 villages have been the worst affected in the Kholta Marichbari Gram Panchayat as around 500 families have been rendered homeless. 2,000 persons have taken shelter in school buildings, while 20 persons are undergoing treatment in hospitals.

North Bengal Development minister Rabindranath Ghosh visited the affected areas on Friday. "Agriculture has been the worst affected, especially vegetables and corn. We are keeping a close tab on the situation. I have spoken to the district administration to ensure that there is no dearth of

relief material and food," said Ghosh. 3 community kitchens are also operational in Cooch Behar.

In the Alipurduar district, 2,500 houses have been totally damaged in 4 blocks, with another 2,000 partially damaged. "Relief including tarpaulin, parched rice and jaggery is being distributed" stated Sourav Chakroborty , MLA.

Trees were also uprooted, damaging electric poles and transformers. Electricity restoration work was subsequently carried out on war footing.

In Jalpaiguri, the heritage Mandalghat Railway Station on the Jalpaiguri-Haldibari line was partially damaged. The worst affected include Jalpaiguri, Dhupguri and Maynaguri. Electricity was disrupted in most areas.