Malda, Sept. 10 -- The flood crisis in Bhutni has intensified with the Ganga continuing to swell, triggering large-scale erosion at Khaskol in English Bazar also and prompting the health department to launch special measures for pregnant women stranded in inundated areas of Manikchak and Ratua.

North Chandipur, South Chandipur and Hiranandapur gram panchayats under Manikchak are completely waterlogged. According to the block health department, 312 pregnant women live in these three panchayats, of whom around 186 have been evacuated to safer locations. Among them, 40 have delivered and are undergoing treatment in hospitals, while 94 are staying with relatives. Another 30 are currently housed in four relief camps in Manikchak.

Doctors and health workers are being deployed at the relief camps to conduct regular health check-ups and provide emergency care. District and block health officials are supervising the arrangements, while health workers are maintaining contact with pregnant women staying with relatives.

"If any pregnant woman staying at a relative's house develops a health problem, immediate arrangements will be made. We are trying to evacuate the remaining women as quickly as possible," said Manikchak Block Health Officer Abhik Shankar Kumar.

The Ganga at Manikchakghat was flowing at 26.04 metres at 8 am on Thursday, substantially above the extreme danger level of 25.30 metres. The Fulahar stood at 27.77 metres, above its danger level of 27.43 metres.

Meanwhile, severe erosion has continued for nearly a month at Khaskol Rabidaspara in the Milki area of English Bazar. Several families have already lost their homes and land, while others have dismantled houses and moved to safer locations. Some affected residents are staying at a relief camp at Khaskol High School.

BJP South Malda president Ajay Ganguly, said: "If the abnormal rise in the Ganga's water level does not stop, there is a possibility of floodwater entering English Bazar Municipality area through Khaskol. The situation could become even more devastating than the

1998 flood."

In Ratua-I, Ganga and Fulahar waters have submerged large areas of Mahanandatola and Bilaimari, affecting around 1,000 families in booths 73 and 74 of Narottampur Diara.

According to sources, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is very much likely to visit Malda on Friday or Saturday though an administrative confirmation is yet to come.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.