West Bengal is reeling under the impact of severe floods in September 2024, with relentless rains and the release of water from the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) reservoirs exacerbating the situation. The incessant rainfall has led to swelling rivers and breached embankments, resulting in widespread devastation in several districts, particularly in southern Bengal. As a precaution, DVC has released a significant volume of water from its dams, pushing 10 districts into a high flood alert zone.
The districts facing the most severe threat include Howrah, Hooghly, Paschim and Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Bankura, where rivers like the Damodar and Ajoy have already started overflowing. Thousands of people have been displaced as floodwaters inundate homes and agricultural lands, destroying crops and leaving behind a trail of damage. Low-lying areas have been the hardest hit, with many villages completely submerged under water.
South Bengal has been severely impacted by heavy rains caused by a depression between September 13-16, 2024. The districts of Birbhum, Paschim Medinipur, and Hooghly have faced steadily worsening conditions as rainfall continues to flood low-lying areas. In addition, South 24 Parganas and Medinipur have been particularly hard-hit, with villages like Ghatal, Sagardighi, and surrounding areas submerged under water. Residents in these regions are struggling to cope with the rising water levels, leading to widespread displacement and damage to homes and farmlands.
The West Bengal government is working round the clock to mitigate the disaster. Relief camps have been set up to accommodate displaced families, providing food, shelter, and medical aid. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state agencies are conducting rescue operations, helping stranded residents escape the rising waters.
The release of water from DVC reservoirs has sparked concerns, with experts arguing that proper water management and timely action could have prevented such widespread devastation. The flood situation remains grim as more water is expected to be released, and weather forecasts predict further rainfall. For now, the people of southern Bengal remain on high alert, hoping for relief from nature’s fury.
This flood serves as a reminder of the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster preparedness to combat future climate-related challenges in West Bengal.