Mamata Banerjee pledges aid, jobs for flood victims; Rijiju extends support

Kolkata: At least 32 people have died and several others remain missing after landslides and flash floods triggered by incessant rain swept through north Bengal, damaging homes, bridges, and roads across Mirik, Kalimpong, and Jalpaiguri districts. Among the dead were five children and two foreign nationals from Nepal and Bhutan.

Visiting the worst-hit Dudhiya area in Mirik, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured residents that a thorough survey would be conducted to assess losses and that all affected families would be compensated once water levels recede.

"We will rebuild homes, roads, and bridges damaged in the floods. A temporary bridge to reconnect Mirik will be completed within 15 days," Banerjee said after handing over compensation cheques to victims and the families of the deceased.

The state government has announced ₹5 lakh for each bereaved family, along with relief materials and financial aid for those who lost their homes. "In Mirik, we are building a new concrete bridge costing ₹54 crore. The old one had collapsed. Temporary wooden bridges are also being rebuilt across the region," the Chief Minister said. She added that one member of each bereaved family would get a government job as a home guard within a month.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju said the Centre was ready to extend full support for relief and restoration work. "We are working in coordination with the state administration to ensure prompt rehabilitation," he said.