Kolkata, 12 August (H.S.) – In a dramatic late-night incident, severe erosion along the Ganga riverbank in Samsherganj, Murshidabad district, left several families homeless on Monday night. While residents were asleep, portions of their houses suddenly crumbled into the river. Fortunately, all managed to escape in time, but several livestock and trees were swept away. The incident has triggered panic among riverside communities.

The erosion struck North Chachand and Middle Chachand areas shortly after dinner, when residents were startled awake by a loud, blast-like sound. Upon rushing outside, they found large sections of their homes swallowed by the river. Many houses remain under threat, and cracks have also appeared in a riverside temple.

By Tuesday morning, residents had begun evacuating their belongings and moving to safer locations. Administrative officials have reached the spot to assess the situation and are coordinating relief efforts. Affected families have urged the authorities to provide immediate assistance and rehabilitation.

According to officials, the water level of the Ganga at the Farakka Barrage is currently 7.10 feet above the danger mark. At 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the upstream level was recorded at 80.10 feet and the downstream at 78.95 feet. The rising water has also inundated villages along the Ganga and Baghmari rivers. Since Monday night, the Farakka police have been making public announcements, urging residents in vulnerable areas to move to safety.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh