The powerful Cyclone ‘Dana’ has triggered heavy storms and rainfall across various districts of South Bengal. Amid these severe weather conditions, a group of fishermen ventured into the Ganga River to catch Hilsa fish on Wednesday afternoon. Unfortunately, three boats capsized due to the storm, resulting in 16 fishermen going missing. The disaster response teams have launched search and rescue operations to locate the missing fishermen.
Incident Details
According to local sources, the group of fishermen, including children aged between 10 and 12, went out to fish on Wednesday evening. In the stormy conditions, three small boats (locally known as dinghies) overturned, two near Samsherganj in Loharpur and Sikdarpur, and one at Arjunpur Ganga Ghat in Farakka. In these two blocks, around 20 people were thrown into the river due to the capsized boats.
Local villagers jumped into the river to rescue a few fishermen and brought them ashore. Those rescued were rushed to Anupnagar Hospital for treatment. However, 16 fishermen are still missing, prompting the involvement of disaster management forces in the rescue efforts. The police also reached the riverbanks immediately upon receiving the news and are overseeing the rescue operation under the supervision of the SDPO (Sub-Divisional Police Officer).
Rescue and Search Operations
As of now, only a handful of fishermen have been rescued, with the remaining 16 still missing. Rescue teams, including divers, have been deployed to search for the missing people. The operation is being closely monitored by local officials and disaster management teams. Divers are actively combing the Ganga to find the missing individuals.
The sudden capsizing of the boats, attributed to the intense winds and torrential rains caused by Cyclone Dana, has left the local community in shock. Reports suggest that some children were among those in the ill-fated boats, further intensifying the urgency of the rescue efforts.
Cyclone Dana’s Devastating Impact
Cyclone Dana has wreaked havoc across South Bengal, with Murshidabad being one of the hardest-hit districts. High winds and heavy rainfall caused water levels in the Ganga to rise, making it perilous for boats to navigate. Despite these dangerous conditions, local fishermen attempted to carry on with their fishing activities, leading to the tragic accident.
The affected areas, such as Loharpur, Sikdarpur, and Dhuliyan, experienced significant flooding, which compounded the challenges faced by rescue teams. Local authorities have advised residents to stay away from the riverbanks as the storm continues to cause dangerous conditions along the river.
Efforts by Local Authorities
Upon hearing about the incident, the local police, along with disaster management teams, reached the location swiftly. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with the district administration keeping a close eye on the situation. According to officials, professional divers have been called in to assist in the search.
Local residents also played a crucial role in the initial rescue efforts, helping to pull out several fishermen from the water. Those rescued are being treated at local hospitals, but the condition of the missing fishermen remains uncertain.
Community Response
The tragic incident has left a deep impact on the local community, with families of the missing fishermen in a state of distress. The district administration has assured that all efforts are being made to locate the missing fishermen and ensure their safety.
The ongoing rescue operation is being conducted with the highest priority, as the local administration coordinates with the disaster response teams to bring the situation under control.
The Cyclone Dana disaster has brought to light the dangerous conditions faced by fishermen in coastal and riverine areas during extreme weather events. As search and rescue operations continue, the community hopes for the safe return of the missing fishermen. In the meantime, local authorities have urged everyone to remain cautious and avoid venturing into the river until the cyclone’s impact subsides.