West Bengal Reels from Flash Floods: 27 Dead, CM Banerjee Lashes Out at Centre

After devastating flash floods and landslides claimed the lives of at least 27 people in North West Bengal over the weekend, affected individuals and families are finding refuge in relief camps established by the Darjeeling District Administration at Mirik Bazar Community Hall.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the disaster as man-made, highlighting infrastructural damage and criticizing the central government's failure to allocate necessary funds. She disclosed plans for restoration work, particularly in hard-hit areas like Nagrakata and Mirik, while confirming that the state has not received central financial aid for the past five years.

Amidst ongoing rescue missions, Banerjee announced a financial aid package for victims' families, assuring Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia along with a Special Homeguard job. The Chief Minister also took a swipe at political opponents for capitalizing on the timing of the disaster, which coincided with the Durga Puja carnival.

(With inputs from agencies.)