Cyclone Bulbul inflicted the livelihood of West Bengal. It majorly ruined the agriculture sector by destroying or damaging an estimated 15 lakh hectares of agricultural lands. Cyclone Bulbul destroyed crops worth thousands of crores in the state. Subsequently, it distressed 6 lakh people and also claimed over 10 lives in different parts of West Bengal. The storm’s landfall led to tremendous loss faced by farmers to which the Chief Minister is yet to provide several relief measures.
Extremities Caused by Severe BULBUL Cyclone
The southern West Bengal faced the major hit of the storm bringing life to a near halt in north and south 24 Parganas. Cylcone Bulbul destroyed crops to a major extent, both the harvested and non-harvested crops. Further, the 48-hour rainfall flooded the paddy field, thereby destroying rice crops due to consistent downpour. Paddy crop was due for harvest and rains during harvest lead to damaging of crops. Also, the cyclone delayed the cultivation of Potato in West Midnapore adding to the losses faced by farmers. Similarly, paddy and onion negative produce will be seen in East Burdwan.
That apart the cyclone Bulbul uprooted several trees and cut electric and other wires throughout West Bengal. According to reports, over 2,374 houses demolished and 26,000 partially destroyed along the towns of Bakkhali and Namkhana.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Outlines the Plight after Conducting an Aerial survey
Mamata Banerjee confirmed the loss of at least Rs. 50,000 crore which seems to be higher than the estimates of Kerala floods. Consequently, mentioned that over 1.78 lakh people have emigrated from the area and have been placed in one of the 479 relief camps. Following the storm, Banerjee reported complete destruction of the crops at Sundarban forest.
The Administration Minimizing the Impact of the Hit and Pacifying the Disrupted Families
Chief Minister urged the government to deploy experts to analyze the situation and devise a plan to compensate farmers out of their misery. As compensation, 2 lakhs was announced to families who lost their loved ones due to the cyclone. She also managed to raise the issue of not obtaining Rs. 17,000 crores from the center that would aid to soothe the situation.
The farmers and citizens who lost their crops as well as their houses are expected to get compensated very soon. Mamata Banerjee herself promised to provide lamps and kerosene to the affected families in this time of need. In addition, the government provided 323 kitchens, several relief camps, rescue boats, and medical items.