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PM, Mamata announce ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for Jalpaiguri victims

Kolkata, (thestates.news)| Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia amount of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of those who lost their lives during Durga idol immersion in Jalpaiguri on Wednesday. The Prime Minister’s Office tweeted: ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of the deceased in the tragic mishap during Durga Puja festivities in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000. The PMO tweeted its condolences soon after the accident on Wednesday night and financial aid was announced on Thursday morning.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over the loss of lives in the flash floods. In a tweet, she said that eight people have lost their lives so far. Injured 13 people admitted to hospital. At least 70 people were rescued overnight. No one else is missing. She also announced ₹2 lakhs for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the treatment of the injured. According to the list published by the administration, the eight deceased are – Tapan Adhikari (72), Subhashis Raha (63), Rumur Saha (42), Viva Devi (28), Sushmita Poddar (22), Swarnadevi Adhikari (20), Urmi Saha (13). Ansh Pandit (8).

Disaster management forces are still carrying out rescue operations in Mal river. However, due to continuous rains, the rescue work is sometimes hampered. Two helpline numbers, 03561230780 and 9073936815, have been announced for the convenience of the distressed.(HS):