Malda, Sept. 8 -- The flood situation in Malda's Bhutni Island and adjoining areas worsened on Tuesday as the Ganga continued to flow above the Extreme Danger Level at Manikchakghat. A 32-year-old youth, Dwijen Mondal of Ballitola in South Chandipur, died after drowning in floodwater while reaping jute in the fields on Tuesday afternoon. Excess water entering his body is primarily suspected to have caused his death. He is the first reported casualty of the floods in Bhutni Island in 2026. The administration cut the embankment to allow stangnant water to flow out.

CPI(M) leader Debjyoti Sinha of Manikchak said: "The death is heart rendering in this heartless play of man made disaster over the decades. Thanks to the administration for at last cutting the embankment by responding to our repeated calls."

The river level was recorded at 25.85 metres at 5 pm, 55 centimetres above the Extreme Danger Level. Water levels in several inundated areas have risen by around 31 centimetres over the past 36 hours, with experts fearing that the river may cross 26 metres by Wednesday.

The district administration on Tuesday cut a 20-metre stretch of an embankment between two switch gates at South Chandipur to facilitate drainage of accumulated floodwater into the Fulhar river. Manikchak MLA Gour Chandra Mandal, who inspected the affected areas, said: "The embankment has been cut on Tuesday as part of efforts to drain the accumulated floodwater and improve the situation in Bhutni."

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held a virtual meeting with senior district officials to review the flood situation, though details of the meeting were not disclosed. A visit to the affected areas is also expected.

Adhikari also constituted a high power team to monitor the situation and take further steps to reduce suffering of the affected.

Thousands of residents have been evacuated from inundated villages, with many staying in relief camps or moving to relatives' homes.

Residents complained of inadequate boats and alleged that some boatmen were charging for transportation. Mandal directed officials to arrange additional boats.

Healthcare has also been severely disrupted in Ratua. The Mahanandatola Health Centre at Kataha Diara is inundated, with water reportedly reaching waist level.

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