Amarnath Cloudburst: One pilgrim from South 24 Parganas dies, several others returning back to West Bengal

Kolkata: A resident of Lake Town area Bipul Ghosh, who visited Amarnath, has managed to escape the destructive flash floods and landslides, and on Sunday took the initiative to return to Kolkata.

“The administration has no clue when the alternative route will open. Our team of seven members has been here in Chandanwari camp since Saturday and we have started moving today. Before reaching Kolkata we will visit Vaishno Devi and offer puja there,” said Ghosh.

Ghosh’s mother Rikta Ghosh said that she had spoken with her son and found that he is safe.

“We have spoken with our son and he is safe. We are just waiting for his return as we have learnt that there are people who are still missing. There is poor network connectivity but whenever he is getting time he is in constant touch with his wife and son. We were really worried till we spoke with Bipul,” said Ghosh’s mother.

Meanwhile, condoling the death of several people due to flash flood, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday had opened a helpline number which will be monitored from state secretariat Nabanna.

Meanwhile, Barsha Muhuri (22), a resident of Baruipur in South 24 Parganas died while she was about to save her mother Nibedita and maternal uncle Subrata Chowdhury from the flash flood. Autopsy is done at the Army hospital and according to local people of Baruipur, the body of Barsha and her injured mother are likely to be in Kolkata by Monday.

According to vice-chairman of Baruipur Municipality Gautam Das, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has asked the state administration to take necessary action after the body reaches Kolkata.

“We have spoken with the family member of Barsha and we will do what is necessary. They will be brought to Kolkata on the next available flight. Even though Barsha could save her mother and maternal uncle but could not save herself,” said Das.

Control room number in Nabanna is 033- 22143526.