Siliguri, Oct. 5 -- The Communist Party of India (Marxist) today demanded that the Centre and state governments must immediately declare Darjeeling a " serious natural disaster' zone and ensure urgent relief measures and adequate compensation for all those affected.
The party also expressed deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences over the extensive damage caused by the natural calamity across the hills - the loss of precious lives and the widespread destruction of property.
"During this festive season, the devastation brought about by this disaster stands as one of the gravest tragedies of our time. The plains have also been severely affected," Darjeeling unit of CPI(M) said in a statement said.
In this hour of distress, the party called u...