Kolkata, Oct 6 (UNI) The Prime Minister Office (PMO) on Thursday announced Rs 2,00,000 ( two lakh) each to be given to the next of kin of the each deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured in the
mishap in a north Bengal river during Durga idols immersion in West Bengal.
At least eight people drowned and over a dozen people wounded when flash floods in the river Mal swept away scores of people when the revelers were engaged in immersion of Durga images on
Wednesday night in Jalpaiguri district.
" Anguished by the mishap during Durga Puja festivities in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones" Prime Minister Narendra Modi said earlier in a twitter post.
Later in a separate post the PMO announced Rs two lakh for the next of kin of those killed and
Rs 50,000 for the wounded persons.
" Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF ( Prime Minister's National Relief Fund) 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 said.
Earlier in the day chief minster of West Bengal also announced ex-gratia payment for the victims.
Banerjee announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 00, 000 (two lakh) each to the deceased family and
Rs 50,000 to those wounded during immersion of Durga idols in north Bengal's Mal river.
" A tragic flash flood hit the Mal River in Jalpaiguri as Durga Visarjan was underway. 8 people lost their lives, I pray that their families find strength & solace in these difficult times. 13 people are undergoing treatment at Mal SSH ( super speciality hospital), I pray for their speedy recovery,"
Banerjee said on her twitter post.
She said the search and rescue operations by NDRF and SDRF were still underway.
" Around 70 people were saved by the efforts of the police, Civil Defence Volunteers and local
youth. I commend their selfless service. There have been no reports of missing persons so far,"
she said.
" An ex-gratia amount of Rs. 2 lakh will be given to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000
to the injured. For any assistance kindly reach out to the following helpline numbers- 03561230780 / 9073936815. Let us stand together in these times of distress," the chief minister said.
UNI PC KK