The ministers were asked to probe the matter and to ensure that relief materials reach the affected people fast and in adequate quantity.

“The Governor asked us to involve all the political parties in the distribution of the relief materials. We have already conducted one such meeting in West Midnapore district and will try to do so in other places also,” said Hussain. “Before going to the Raj Bhavan we met chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. He also urged us to involve all the political parties in the relief distribution,” added Hussain.

A meeting was called to review the flood situation at the Writers’ Buildings, which was chaired by the state finance minister Asim Dasgupta.

The death toll in the two districts of Midnapore rose from 35 to a staggering 46. Dasgupta, however, claims that the overall flood situation in the two districts has improved.

Looking at the magnitude of devastation in the two districts, the government has increased the amount of money for relief and rehabilitation from Rs 34 to 57 lakh. The government has also sent 452 medical teams to the affected areas, said the minister.