Flash floods kill 8 people in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal during Durga puja visarjan

It was the Vijayadashami and hundreds were gathered at a river bank in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri to send the goddess away. But nature had different plans. The river where the idol immersion was taking place suddenly swelled due to flash floods, and several were swept away. 

Scary visuals.#Jalpaiguri pic.twitter.com/zo48i50kPT

— Ananya Bhattacharya (@ananya116) October 5, 2022

Here are the details: 

Where: Mal river in Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal

When: The incident took place between 8.30-9 pm on Wednesday, October 5, 2022.

What happened? Flash floods during idol immersion on Bijoya Dashami wreaked havoc on the crowd gathered at the banks of the Mal river. Several were swept away.

• At least 8 bodies have been recovered so far, 4 of which are of women.
• An unknown number of people are still missing. Netizens say the number of dead could be in double digits. 
• 13 people received minor injuries and were treated for the same. 
• Around 50 people have been rescued. 

Rescue operations are still underway. NDRF and civil defence were deployed. Search is also underway downstream. 

Videos of the flash floods shared on Twitter show scary scenes at the river. Several people were seen trapped in the river as waters gushed, while others were swept away out of view as people looked on helplessly. 

Extremely saddened to learn about the tragic loss of lives due to flash floods during Visarjan at Mal River in Jalpaiguri. The authorities have deployed NDRF and other rescue forces.

My prayers are with those missing, may all be safely rescued. pic.twitter.com/45VNC0IExE

— Raju Bista (@RajuBistaBJP) October 6, 2022

#BREAKING #BreakingNews
The atmosphere of sadness on the day of Devi's departure Around 30 to 40 people went missing in Harpa Ban while immersing idols in Mal River in Malbazar, Jalpaiguri. Multiple dead. May the departed soul rest in peace and condole with the bereaved family. pic.twitter.com/SfQJAxqrja

— 𝙎𝙐𝘽𝙃𝘼𝘿𝙄𝙋 𝙍𝙊𝙔 ™ (@subhadiproy4u) October 5, 2022

A man also jumped into the river from safety to rescue someone. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish in a tweet and extended condolences to those who lost their loved ones. 

Anguished by the mishap during Durga Puja festivities in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 5, 2022

West Bengal BJP MLA Suvendhu Adhikari requested the authorities to step up rescue efforts. 

Saddening news coming from Jalpaiguri as flash flood in Mal river during Durga Puja immersion swept away many people. Few deaths have been reported till now.
I request the DM of Jalpaiguri & @chief_west to urgently step up rescue efforts & provide assistance to those in distress. pic.twitter.com/4dZdm2WlLO

— Suvendu Adhikari • শুভেন্দু অধিকারী (@SuvenduWB) October 5, 2022

BJP National Vice President Dilip Ghosh said that 30-40 people have gone missing during the flash floods. 

1.1 Horrific incident on the day of Maa Durga's way back to her home.

Around 30 to 40 people went missing in Harpa Ban during Visarjan in Mal River in Malbazar, Jalpaiguri. BJP Karyakartas joined the rescue work. pic.twitter.com/jFNuzrh20I

— Dilip Ghosh (@DilipGhoshBJP) October 5, 2022

Several more festival-related accidents were reported on October 5. In Agra, Uttar Pradesh, a 15-year-old boy, and two other people drowned in the Yamuna river during Durga idol immersion. Search operations are still underway.  

Agra, Uttar Pradesh | During Durga idol immersion, a 15-year-old boy in Sikandra PS area & two youths aged 19 yrs & 22 yrs in New Agra PS area drowned in the Yamuna river. Rescue operation carried out till late evening; no one found. Search op to continue: CO Mayank Tiwari (5.10) pic.twitter.com/XXAnOBPlE3

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) October 5, 2022

In Haryana, the burning effigy of Ravan almost fell on the people gathered. Fortunately, the accident was averted and no one was injured. 

#WATCH | Haryana: A major accident was averted during Ravan Dahan in Yamunanagar where the effigy of Ravana fell on the people gathered. Some people were injured. Further details awaited pic.twitter.com/ISk8k1YWkH

— ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2022