Hooghly, 16 July (H.S.): Continuous rainfall for last several days has disrupted life in many districts of West Bengal. Flood-like situation prevailing in West Midnapore and Hooghly districts.

Rising water levels in the Rupnarayan and Mundeswari rivers have led to inundation in regions like Arambagh, Ghatal, Daspur, and Chandrakona. In several places, river waters have crossed the danger mark.

At Panhsuli Bazar in Arambagh, the confluence of the Rupnarayan and Mundeswari rivers is overflowing, submerging the marketplace and surrounding areas. Over 50 villages across four gram panchayats are now underwater. Standing crops have been submerged, and major roads are under 3 to 4 feet of water. Floodwaters have already entered in many houses

Residents are using boats to reach the main roads from their flooded villages. They are demanding not just relief supplies, but permanent solutions like proper embankments and roads to prevent repeated disasters.

A local resident said, “If someone falls ill, it’s nearly impossible to take them outside. We have to bring food, gas cylinders, and other essentials by boat.”

In West Midnapore district, Ghatal municipal area and adjoining gram panchayats have been under floodwater for the last. In Daspur, the water level continues to rise.

Parts of Chandrakona I and II blocks are also beginning to flood. A damaged embankment of the Shilabati River is releasing more water, leading to inundation in areas like Yadupur and Yadavpur. The water levels of both the Kathia and Shilabati rivers are rising rapidly.

An emergency meeting was held in Khanakul-2 block to assess flood preparedness. Meanwhile, the MP from Arambagh has assured that sufficient relief materials and tarpaulins have been made available for the affected areas.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey