Floodwaters Halt in Ghatal, Travel by Boat! People in Affected Areas Suffer

**Ghatal:** Ghatal in West Medinipur has been submerged for several days. Due to the rising water levels of the Shilabati and Jhumi rivers, extensive areas of Ghatal municipality and several gram panchayats have been flooded. Instead of receding, floodwaters remain stagnant in multiple areas. As a result, residents of the affected areas are facing severe problems.

It has been reported that due to the rising river water levels, several roads have effectively gone underwater. Floodwaters have also entered many homes. Not only residential houses, but farmers are also fearing losses as agricultural lands spanning acres have been submerged.

Normal communication has also been disrupted due to waterlogged roads. In many places, water is flowing over paved roads. Consequently, local residents are forced to use boats and dinghies for transportation. From collecting daily necessities to reaching workplaces, common people are facing difficulties in all aspects.

With water accumulating for several days, the suffering is increasing. Locals have complained that the rate of water receding is extremely slow in some areas. Living in a waterlogged condition has raised concerns about the availability of drinking water, food, and other essential supplies.

On the other hand, prolonged submersion of agricultural land has raised fears of significant crop damage. If the floodwaters do not recede quickly, it is feared that the extent of losses for farmers may increase further.

In light of the flood situation in Ghatal, locals have demanded necessary measures from the administration to expedite water drainage and alleviate the suffering of flood-affected people.