Cyclone Bulbul: WB Losses Estimated at Rs. 19k Crore

Cyclone Bulbul that battered the coastal districts of WestBengal before hurtling towards Bangladesh has caused a loss which could bebetween Rs. 15,000 crore and Rs. 19,000 crore in the state, said a seniorofficial.

The cyclone made landfall between the coasts of West Bengal andBangladesh on the midnight of Saturday killing 14.

According to reports, an interim estimation has been preparedfrom the preliminary report submitted by different departments after surveyingthe cyclone-hit areas. The final estimation will be reached only afterdepartments submit their reports.

The officer said that as per initial estimates, the losses couldbe between Rs. 15,000 crore to Rs. 19,000 crore.

However, complete reports on damages in the districts of North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and East Midnapore are yet to reach the secretariat.

Moreover, at least 14 departments including irrigation, agriculture, forest, public health, power, and panchayat were asked to submit their reports on Wednesday.

The officer said that the final report will be sent to theCenter.

A central government team is scheduled to reach thecyclone-affected areas of West Bengal later this week and prepare a report onthe devastation.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday conducted an aerialsurvey of areas ravaged by cyclone Bulbul in South 24 Parganas district andannounced a compensation of Rs. 2 lakh for the families of thosekilled in the storm.