Ramakrishna Mission, Siliguri, mounted a rapid and extensive relief operation in October 2025 following severe flash floods in the Mahananda and Balason rivers, caused by incessant rainfall and cloud-burst on October 5, 2025. The floods devastated river-bank villages, causing extensive property damage and driving numerous families from their homes.
Relief Operations in Porajhar, Rajganj Block (Jalpaiguri District)
Following the devastation on October 5, the Mission immediately visited the affected Porajhar area and established a temporary relief camp that housed nearly 300 families. A thorough survey confirmed that kachha houses and livestock were washed away, and many homes were filled with sludge and debris, creating an urgent need for food and essentials.
From October 5 to October 9, 2025, the Mission carried out extensive distribution efforts, including:
- Cooked Food & Water: Nearly 3,500 plates of cooked food (Khichuri or rice-dal-sabji) were served, alongside 2,000 packets of biscuits and 10,000 pouches of drinking water. Cooked food distribution remains ongoing.
- Dry Ration: 40 kg of Chira (flattened rice) and 30 kg of Gur (jaggery) were distributed.
- Clothing & Shelter: 300 Saris, 100 Dhotis, and 100 Blankets were provided to nearly 200 affected families.
- Medical Aid: A medical camp was successfully arranged from October 5 to October 6, treating nearly 200 flood-affected patients and providing necessary medicines.
The Mission is currently taking steps to further assist 150 families in this area by distributing essential utensils and bedding materials shortly.
Relief Operations in Looksan, Nagrakata Block (Jalpaiguri District)
Following a request from the local Village Pradhan and a comprehensive survey on the ground, the Mission discovered that flash floods had also washed away the houses of poor laborers in the Changmari Tea Estate and Grassmore Tea Estate. On October 7, 2025, immediate relief was provided to 174 families in this tea garden area. The distribution included 193 blankets, 150 saris, 3 dhotis, and 124 tarpaulin sheets for temporary shelter.
Future Relief Planning
The Mission is actively planning to extend its relief efforts by conducting a survey in the Sourini Tea Estate areas of Mirik Sub-division, Darjeeling District, and the Panighata area, with relief work to follow soon after the assessment is complete.
