Most of us are unaware that Southwest Bengal is being ravaged by heavy rainfall and high tides triggered by Cyclone Komen. The release of freshwater from different barrages has only worsened the situation. While Komen made landfall in Bangladesh, rains continued to batter West Midnapore district. Houses have been razed to the ground, trees have been uprooted and fields have become marshes. The only landmarks that remain in this watery landscape are electric and telephone poles, which rise up in the horizon.
According to officials from the Disaster Management Authority, the flood has affected lakhs of people, damaged 7.43 lakh homes and destroyed acres of crops. Despite the efforts of the government, there are only 2,700 relief camps for the five lakh marooned villagers and the outbreak of epidemics seems imminent. While the cyclone passed more than three weeks ago, the situation remains grim because of the high tides and release of water from dams. Some locals say this is the worst flooding they have seen in 15 years. So far more than 100 deaths have been reported.
Subrata Biswas is an independent visual storyteller, painter who divides his time between Delhi and Kolkata