West Medinipur, 29 July (H.S.): Continuous heavy rainfall over the past several days has severely affected normal life in West Medinipur and Jhargram districts, with several low-lying areas inundated and thousands of acres of agricultural land submerged. The situation has caused serious concern among farmers, while the administration, elected representatives and various social and political organisations have stepped up relief and rescue operations.

In several villages of Mohanpur block in West Medinipur, rainwater has flooded low-lying areas as well as vast stretches of agricultural land. The recently planted aman paddy crop has remained submerged for a prolonged period, raising fears of extensive crop damage. Farmers said they could face major financial losses if the water is not drained quickly.

On Wednesday morning, the local MLA and administrative officials visited the waterlogged areas. Residents urged the authorities to ensure proper drainage and provide government assistance to affected farmers.

Similarly, large areas of farmland have been inundated in Haripura, Shadrang and several other villages under Aikala Gram Panchayat in Dantan block. Farmers said they had borrowed money to cultivate paddy and are now facing the prospect of losing their entire crop due to the continuous rainfall. Local farmer Haripada Das said the losses would increase further if weather conditions did not improve soon.

Meanwhile, several areas under Belda and Bakhrabad gram panchayats in Narayangarh block are facing flood-like conditions. Local MLA Ramaprasad Giri travelled by boat to the inundated areas to assist affected residents. He distributed relief materials and tarpaulins from door to door and assured residents of all possible assistance.

Giri said the administration stood with the affected families and would provide necessary support.

Political parties have also stepped up relief efforts in the affected areas. Under the leadership of West Midnapore BJP district president Samit Mondal, party workers reached the Kathalia area of Narayangarh late Tuesday night amid rainfall and distributed relief materials among affected families.

Meanwhile, West Medinipur uperintendent of Police Papia Sultana visited the area near the Lengamara Bridge in Keshiary along with officials to inspect the condition of a temporary road. She reviewed alternative routes, traffic arrangements and security measures.

The administration had earlier restored traffic by constructing a new temporary road on a war footing after the earlier temporary road was washed away by strong water currents.

In neighbouring Jhargram district, the families of two teenagers who died after drowning in the Kansabati River in May were provided government financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each on Tuesday. MLA Lakshmikanta Sahu, in the presence of administrative officials, handed over compensation cheques to the two families and assured them of continued support.

With the rain continuing, concerns among farmers in the affected areas are mounting. The administration is closely monitoring the situation, while efforts have been intensified for relief and rehabilitation, drainage of accumulated water and assessment of crop damage.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey