Four people were killed and a dozen others were wounded as a cyclonic storm battered parts of the poll-bound Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal on Sunday afternoon, officials said.

Besides the loss of human lives in a sudden burst of gale, many houses were also damaged after tin roofs blew away, trees and electric poles fell down, causing power outages in the areas of northern districts.

The storm also affected the lives of neighbouring Alipuduar and Cooch Behar districts.

The deceased were identified as Dijendra Narayan Sarkar (52) of Senpara, Anima Burman (45) of Paharpur, Jagen Roy (72) of Putimari and Samar Roy (64) of Rajarhat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourns loss of lives in the natural calamity

"My thoughts are with those affected by the storms in Jalpaiguri-Mainaguri areas of West Bengal. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones," Modi posted on X.

"Spoke to officials and asked them to ensure proper assistance to those impacted by the heavy rains. I would also urge all
@BJP4Bengal
Karyakartas to assist those affected," he said.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while expressing her sadness over the loss of human lives, said the district administration has deployed rescue personnel to evacuate the stranded people.

"Sad to know that sudden heavy rainfall and stormy winds brought disaster today afternoon in some Jalpaiguri-Maynaguri areas, with loss of human lives, injuries, house damages, uprooting of trees and electricity poles, etc.," she posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"District administration will provide compensation to the kins of deceased and the injured as per rules and following the MCC (model code of conduct)," she assured.

(With UNI inputs)