Jalpaiguri, Apr 1 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday expressed deep concern over the loss of lives and properties in northern districts of West Bengal triggered by a sudden gale and assured Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of all possible assistance to the affected families, official sources said.

Shah Telephoned to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday and assured to provide all sorts of assistance to the affected people.

At least five people, including a woman, were killed and around 200 injured in a five-minute whirlwind that hit the state at around 3 35 PM on Sunday damaging hundreds of houses, uprooting trees and light masts, disrupting drinking water supplies, and plunging the Jalpaiguri-Mayanaguri area into darkness.

Barnish Para and Sen Para areas were worst affected where a maximum number of deaths and injuries were reported.

Shah rang up the Chief Minister a night after Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of human lives, and said he had spoken with the officials and asked them to ensure proper assistance to those affected by the natural calamity.

“My thoughts are with those affected by the storms in the Jalpaiguri-Mainaguri areas of West Bengal. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones,” Modi wrote in a post on Sunday.

“I would also urge all @BJP4Bengal Karyakartas to assist those affected,” Modi assured.

Shah said he was deeply concerned about the severe loss suffered by West Bengal, Assam, and Manipur due to a storm,” Spoke to the Chief Ministers and assured them ( Bengal, Assam, Manipur) of all possible assistance.’

” I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the swift recovery of the injured. Also, appeal to all the Karyakartas of the BJP to be with the affected people and provide every possible help to them during this hour of distress,” Shah said on his X handle.

UNI

.