According to District Magistrate Moumita Godara Basu, eight people died in a flash flood that struck the Mal River in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal on Wednesday evening.
The district authority reported that one more body was found, bringing the total to eight.
There may have been further casualties, according to Moumita Godara, who stated that a search is in progress.
Among those killed in the horrific incident were four women.
According to the district magistrate, those who suffered minor injuries have been admitted to a neighbouring hospital.
The family members of those who died in the flash flood have been sent condolence messages by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Anguished by the mishap during Durga Puja festivities in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones,” PM Modi tweeted.
Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the opposition in the Bengal Assembly, tweeted his sorrow over the tragedy: Sad news from Jalpaiguri, where a flash flood during the Durga Puja immersion killed numerous people. Until now, few fatalities have been reported. I kindly ask @chief west and the DM of Jalpaiguri to intensify rescue operations immediately and help people in need.
When flash floods flooded the Mal River during the Wednesday Visarjan (immersion) of the Goddess Durga idol in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, Jalpaiguri SP Debarshi Dutta had reported that seven persons were killed and dozens were feared missing.
During Durga Visarjan, a flash flood occurred in Jalpaiguri along the Mal River. Seven individuals were found dead, dozens were presumed to be missing, numerous others were stranded in the river, and many others were washed away. Seven people's bodies were found. Rescue efforts are underway; NDRF and civil defence have been dispatched, according to Debarshi Dutta.
According to a police officer, members of the civil defence and national defence reserve forces (NDRF) were employed during the search and rescue operations.
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