West Bengal flood situation grim, Mamata Banerjee monitors situation at control room

KOLKATA: Flood situation in south Bengal districts today remained grim after fresh water was released from different barrages, compounding the woes of over 37 lakh people in 12 affected districts.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who stayed at state secretariat Nabanna overnight to personally monitor the flood situation, would visit Habra and Ashoknagar areas of North 24 Parganas to monitor the relief and rescue operations there.

"Flood situation in the state still remained a matter of concern after fresh water was released from different barrages since last night. High tides worsened the situation," state Irrigation Minister Rajib Banerjee told PTI.

Among others DVC has itself released 90000 cusecs of water since midnight last night, the minister added.

The toll due to the floods, however, remained at 48 while 2.14 lakh people were sheltered in 1,537 relief camps in the 12 districts.

According to the disaster management department's report, 47 municipalities across the state have been affected by floods.

The government has issued an appeal to all the affected in the districts to move to their nearest relief camp before the situation worsens.

The CM had yesterday held meeting with senior officials regarding the situation and has set up a control room at the state secretariat to keep an eye on the problem 24X7.

Besides, Banerjee four of her Cabinet ministers would also visit other affected districts to review the situation.

Last night, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had spoken to the CM over phone about the flood situation in the state.