Kolkata, 11 October (H.S.): The death toll from severe floods and landslides in the northern districts of West Bengal has risen to 40, following the recovery of another body in the past 24 hours. According to updated figures from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the district administrations of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri, the death count stood at 39 as of Thursday morning.

On Friday, the body of a woman was found in the Tudu Tea Garden area of Bamundanga in Nagra Kata, Jalpaiguri district, having been carried away by the local river current. The district administration confirmed the recovery, although the identity of the deceased is yet to be established.

Meanwhile, residents in the hilly and Terai-Duars regions have reported the loss or destruction of critical documents and identification papers due to flooding and landslides. In response, the state government has decided to set up special document recovery camps to assist affected residents in obtaining new papers.

In adjoining Alipurduar district, the police have already launched mobile camps to address these needs. Superintendent of Police Y. Raghuvanshi stated on Saturday, “Given the current situation, it is difficult for people to reach police stations. These mobile camps allow residents to register complaints regarding lost documents and will continue to operate until conditions return to normal.”

Authorities have also warned of another emerging threat in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar districts. Post-flood food scarcity in forested areas may drive wild animals into residential zones, increasing the risk of human-wildlife conflicts.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to visit North Bengal again on October 13, focusing exclusively on the hilly regions. Earlier this week, she had inspected the plains of North Bengal to assess the flood impact.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh