14 hrs ago
Malda Floods Worsen as Ganga Surpasses Extreme Danger Level
The Ganga River has risen very high in Malda, causing serious flooding.
Water has spread into new areas, including parts of Bhutni Diara.
More than three lakh people are affected.
Many residents have moved to safer places or relief camps.
Some hospitals were flooded and moved to other buildings.
Health workers are helping pregnant women and using boats to reach people.
Police are also using boats to deliver food and supplies.
River erosion has destroyed some homes in Khaskol.
Officials are watching the rivers and preparing for more heavy rain.
More rain could make the flooding worse.
The Ganga reached 26.05 metres at Manikchak Ghat, 75 centimetres above the extreme danger level.
Fresh flooding inundated parts of Ratua-I, including much of Bhutni Diara.
More than three lakh people are affected, particularly in English Bazar, Manikchak and Ratua.
Hospitals in Mahanandatola and North Chandipur were shifted after floodwater submerged their facilities.
Fresh Ganga erosion in Khaskol has displaced families and raised fears of further flooding.
- Who
- More than three lakh residents of Malda are affected, while district officials, health workers, police and rescue teams are providing assistance.
- What
- Flooding and riverbank erosion have worsened as the Ganga rose above its extreme danger level.
- Where
- The worst-affected areas include Ratua-I, Bhutni Diara, English Bazar, Manikchak and Khaskol in Malda, West Bengal.
- When
- The Ganga was measured at 26.05 metres by Thursday noon; heavy rain was forecast from September 11.
- Why
- Large volumes of water flowed downstream from Bihar toward Manikchak Ghat and the Farakka Barrage, while further rain could raise water levels.
Key facts
- Ganga level
- 26.05 metres at Manikchak Ghat
- Extreme danger level
- 25.30 metres
- Level above threshold
- Approximately 75 centimetres
- People affected
- More than three lakh in Malda
- Pregnant women identified
- 312 in three Bhutni gram panchayats
- Pregnant women relocated
- 186 moved to safer places
- Temporary hospital capacity
- A 10-bed hospital is operating at the North Chandipur gram panchayat building
- Forecast
- Heavy rain was predicted over Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand from September 11
Quotes
Abhik Shankar Kumar
Manikchak Block Health Officer
“The way Ganga erosion is continuing and the water level is rising, there is a fear that river water may enter Khaskol, triggering a flood situation in English area”
thestatesman.com
“We are maintaining constant contact with those staying at relatives’ homes and will immediately arrange medical care if anyone develops any health problem.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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