West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday, 29 May announced an ex-gratia of ₹4 lakh for the next of kin of each of the seven people killed in sudden thunderstorms that swept across South Bengal districts during the afternoon. The deceased lost their lives to lightning strikes, electrocution, and house collapses triggered by the norwesters.

Districts Hit and Casualties

The storms primarily battered South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, West Midnapore, East Midnapore, Purulia, and the state capital Kolkata. Deaths were reported across Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, and Purulia. The bodies of the deceased were sent for post-mortem examination, according to official statements.

What the Government Said

Speaking to reporters on Friday evening, Chief Minister Adhikari confirmed that financial assistance would also be extended to those injured in the calamity and to households whose property was damaged. 'Right now, we are giving priority to the treatment of those injured. The state government will also provide financial assistance to those whose houses have been damaged because of the natural calamity. I understand that no death can be compensated by any amount. But it is the duty of the state government to stand by the family members of those killed in the natural calamity,' Adhikari said.

Relief and Monitoring Mechanism

The Chief Minister said a team led by Minister Agnimitra Paul has been tasked with monitoring the situation through the norwester season. Officials and staff of the state disaster management department have been placed on high alert. This is a standard activation protocol the state follows during the pre-monsoon squall season, which typically intensifies through May and June.

Impact on Kolkata

In Kolkata, the norwesters uprooted several trees and temporarily disrupted internet services in parts of the city. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation deployed emergency teams to clear fallen trees and restore road access. Notably, pre-monsoon norwesters — locally known as Kalbaishakhi — are a recurring hazard in Bengal, and Friday's event follows a pattern of increasingly severe squalls in recent years.

What Comes Next

Compensation disbursements for the bereaved families and the injured are expected to be processed through the state's disaster relief framework. Authorities are also assessing the extent of structural damage to homes in the affected districts. With the monsoon still weeks away, forecasters warn that further norwester activity remains likely across South Bengal.