The death toll from flooding in Bhutni islet, Malda, has risen to 10, following the tragic capsizing of a tin boat on Monday.

The boat overturned as Jiten Mandal, 31, attempted to navigate floodwaters while taking his two sons to buy groceries. While locals managed to rescue the boys, Mandal could not be found. Later, the civil defence and the NDRF personnel found him in an unconscious condition. He was rushed to the rural hospital in Manikchak where doctors declared him dead.

The death aggravated the worry of the administration and the local panchayat members.

Baidyanath Mandal, a member of the local panchayat, said most of the deaths were caused by the overturning of lightweight tin boats.

Tazmul Hosain (in white beard), a minister of state, distribute relief while traveling in a boat in the Fulhar river in Harishchandrpaur-II block of Malda on Monday. Soumya De Sarkar

“These boats often fail to withstand the water currents and overturn. Although the administration and members of the disaster management team are continuously warning people not to use such boats at random, some people are using them for daily necessities risking their lives,” he said.

On Monday, the Fulhar river flooded several villages in the Harishchandrapur-II block of the district.

Tazmul Hossain, a minister of state from the district, took a boat and visited the affected areas. He also distributed relief among the flood victims and asked them to be on alert.

“The Fulhar river has spilled over its banks and flooded the villages. Hundreds of people have left their houses and staying in schools and flood shelters. We are keeping a watch over the situation,” said Hossain.

District magistrate Nitin Singhania reached Harishchandrapur on Monday. He held a few meetings with local officials and Hossain to draw up plans to help the affected people.

“All possible measures are being taken to handle the situation. Relief materials are being provided in abundance as per the instructions of the chief minister,” said Singhania.

The Ganga has swelled significantly, submerging parts of the islet in the Manikchak block. Concerns are growing that water released from Nepal’s Kosi river could worsen the situation. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed her worries regarding the ongoing floods.