West Bengal govt. issues flood alert

The West Bengal government issued a flood alert here on Monday and urged people in the low-lying areas and in the coastal region to remain vigilant. Chief Secretary Sanjay Mitra, following a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, told journalists that fishermen were also advised against venturing into the sea.

Mr. Mitra said the government was geared to deal with any situation. Teams from the disaster management group have already been sent and food supplies and water pouches dispatched to vulnerable areas.

The State government has urged the Centre to ensure that it was informed in advance about the amount of water being released from the reservoirs in neighbouring Jharkhand. Heavy discharge of water from Chandil and Galudih water barrage in Jharkhand often results in flooding in the south-western districts of the State.

Meanwhile the city and nearby districts were lashed by rains accompanied by thunderstorms during the day.

Three school students died at Deganga in North 24 Parganas after they were struck by lightning, an official of the local police station said.