Mamata Visits Flood-Hit North Bengal, Announces 5 Lakh Compensation

North Bengal faced a catastrophic situation due to 12 hours of relentless rainfall, triggering devastating floods and landslides that claimed numerous lives. The calamity hit on October 5, 2025, affecting areas like Mirik, Sukhiapokhri, Jorebunglow, and Nagrakata. Many people lost their houses their IDs. The death toll has risen to 36, with several people still missing. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Army teams are working tirelessly to rescue stranded tourists and locals. Several bridges collapsed, including an iron bridge over the Balasan River at Dudhia, isolating nearby communities. Roads and railways were also severely damaged. Over 1,000 tourists were rescued, and efforts are underway to bring the remaining stranded tourists to safety.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited flood-affected areas in North Bengal on October 7, 2025, to assess the situation and provide relief to those affected. During her visit, she announced a compensation package of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and offered government jobs to one member of each bereaved family as a special home guard. She also promised to rebuild damaged bridges and houses in the affected areas which were damaged on this tragic natural calamity. She also instructed to build temporary bridges within 15 days. To cope with the devastating situation, the CM directed arrangements for community kitchens in flood-affected regions, where people are facing water and food scarcity. The kitchens will remain operational until people can safely return home. Additionally, special camps will be set up for those who lost essential documents like Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and voter cards, to facilitate reissuing. CM posts on her X handle,“When the people of Bengal are in distress, I feel their suffering as my own. The recent heavy rainfall and landslides have caused severe flooding across North Bengal, leading to the tragic loss of lives, livelihoods, and property. Dhupguri, Nagrakata, large parts of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar, as well as Matigara, Jorebunglow Sukhiapokhri, Mirik, and other areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, are among the worst affected.

Today, I visited Hasimara and Nagrakata, meeting families and locals, assessing their needs, and assuring them of the full support and cooperation of the State Government. Our Chief Secretary and Director General of Police are on the front lines, personally monitoring the situation, while senior leaders, volunteers, and the State Disaster Management Force continue to carry out rescue and relief operations on a war footing.

We have arranged buses to evacuate stranded tourists, opened community kitchens and relief camps to provide food and shelter, and announced compensation of Rs. 5 lakhs and a Home Guard position for the families of those who have lost their lives. Tea garden workers who have suffered losses will also receive compensation from the State Government in the coming days. I have repeatedly urged the Centre to constitute an Indo-Bhutan River Commission, but there has been no response. In addition, the lack of proper dredging and desiltation, and unilateral water releases from DVC-controlled dams have compounded the situation, resulting in avoidable tragedies. But in times of crisis, politics must never take precedence over people’s lives. The State Government remains committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with those affected. I urge everyone to maintain faith, remain calm, and not fall prey to provocations. Compassion, empathy, and humanity must guide us all”.

Suvendhu Adhikari , the leader of opposition also visits the flood- affected region of North Bengal on 7th October along with BJP MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Shankar Ghosh to have a conversation with the people those who became victims of this tragic natural disaster. Unfortunately, while visiting the site, the BJP leaders falls on the grudge of the local people and khagen Murmu, followed by Shankar Ghosh, were admitted to a private hospital in Siliguri with severe injuries.  

After this incident, Prime Minister posted on his social media account that, “The manner in which our party colleagues, including a sitting MP and MLA, were attacked in West Bengal for serving the people affected by floods and landslides is outright appalling. It highlights the insensitivity of the TMC as well as the absolutely pathetic law and order situation in the State”. Modi also said, hope that the West Bengal government and the Trinamool Congress would be “more focused on helping people rather than indulging in violence in such a challenging situation”. CM’s defend post : In response to PM Modi’s remarks, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said it was “unfortunate and deeply concerning that the Prime Minister of India has chosen to politicise a natural disaster without waiting for a proper investigation, especially while people in North Bengal are grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods and landslides”. 

“When the entire local administration and police is engrossed in relief and rescue operations, the BJP leaders chose to go to the affected areas with a large convoy of cars and under security cover of the central forces and that too without any information to local police and administration. How can the state administration, local police or the TMC be blamed for the incident?”, said Mrs. Banerjee on her social media post. She called PM Modi’s remarks “unfortunate and deeply concerning” and reminded him that he is the Prime Minister of India, not just of the BJP. His responsibility lies in nation-building, not narrative-building.

Yes, we all condemn violence, unequivocally. But this is not the time for partisan chest-thumping. This is a time to help and heal."