West Bengal: One Dead in Cyclone Dana; Over 2-Lakh Evacuated, Says Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Friday that one person has died due to Cyclone Dana, while the government successfully evacuated approximately 216,000 individuals from low-lying regions. Banerjee held a review meeting at the state secretariat after monitoring the situation overnight and instructed officials to ensure that relief supplies reach all affected residents.

"Only one person died in this natural disaster. The man died at his home while working on cables. It is quite unfortunate. The postmortem examination will give us a clear picture. If required, we will assist the family," Banerjee said.

In light of recent flooding, Banerjee directed the agricultural department to conduct another survey of farmland to assess damage caused by Cyclone Dana. She emphasized the importance of preparing a list of affected agricultural land to assist farmers in accessing crop insurance.

"We have to ensure that the farmers are not affected," she said. The state government has extended the deadline for crop insurance claims from October 31 to November 30.

Banerjee also instructed that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams remain in their designated areas for 48 hours. Feedback from various districts indicated that areas like Sagar Island and Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas, as well as Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas, experienced flooding. Water-logging was reported in Bangaon and Basirhat sub-divisions, with rain expected to continue until late evening.

The Chief Minister also stressed the need for medical supplies, including treatments for snake bites, to reach those in need. Additionally, she urged officials to initiate replanting efforts in areas where vegetation was harmed.

The government has evacuated 216,000 people from vulnerable areas. Banerjee had mentioned on Thursday that over 350,000 individuals had been identified for evacuation. She stressed that relief camps must remain operational for those whose homes are submerged until the waters recede, and that health officials should monitor the situation to prevent outbreaks of diseases like dengue, malaria, and diarrhea.

"I want the officials to ensure that relief materials reach the people without discrimination," she added. Banerjee directed the Irrigation Department to begin repairs on dams damaged by the cyclone.

"I will ask you to plant an additional 150 million mangroves this year to combat soil erosion. I will also write to Niti Aayog regarding a Sunderban Master Plan," she stated.

Banerjee accused the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) of releasing water that exacerbates flooding in the state, claiming it has become a recurring issue during rainfalls in Jharkhand.

She urged officials to expedite work on the Ghatal Master Plan, a significant initiative aimed at dredging riverbeds and reinforcing embankments of at least ten major rivers in the state, with a completion target of two years.

"We have already completed the Detailed Project Report for the Ghatal Master Plan. We have initiated work worth Rs 400 crore. Complete the project within two years using more manpower, including migrant workers who have returned to the state," she said.

The Chief Minister also instructed the Public Health Engineering department to finalize the installation of drinking water pipes.

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