Ganges Water Rises Above Danger Level, Over 100,000 People Stranded in Malda

The flood situation in West Bengal’s Malda district has severely deteriorated as the water level of the Ganges rose alarmingly. The river has crossed the danger level over the past 48 hours, inundating vast areas along its banks. According to local administration, more than 100,000 people in the district are currently affected by the flooding and facing severe hardship.

On Monday, the Ganges water level in Malda reached 25.64 metres, which is 0.34 metres above the Extreme Danger Level. As the water continues to rise, there are concerns that more areas could be inundated.

Inundated Areas and Administrative Measures

Several villages in Uttar Chandipur panchayat of Manikchak block have been completely submerged. After an embankment breached at Kesharpur in Uttar Chandipur last Saturday, 29 areas were initially flooded. By Sunday, the number had risen to 62. The administration fears that the South Chandipur and Hiranandapur panchayat areas of Bhutni could also be inundated soon, potentially increasing the number of affected areas to more than 150.

Amid the worsening floods, a police station and a local health centre on Bhutni Char have already been relocated to safer areas. The decision was taken on an emergency basis after the health centre premises were completely submerged on Monday.

Relief Operations and Political Allegations

The local administration has opened relief camps to deal with the situation. Free boat services, cooked food and emergency medical services have been arranged for residents of the flooded areas. Pregnant women are being given priority during evacuations.

Meanwhile, political blame-shifting has also begun over the disaster. Gaur Chandra Mondal, the local BJP MLA from Manikchak, blamed corruption in the state government for the crisis, saying, “The people of Bhutni Char are facing this situation today because of widespread corruption in measures to prevent river erosion and previous relief operations.” He, however, claimed that adequate relief supplies and medical services are currently being provided to address the crisis.

With the Ganges continuing to rise, the overall flood situation in Malda is feared to become even more critical in the coming days.