Air Force airdrops relief material in flood-affected Midnapore

Midnapore (West Bengal), Jun 22: Air Force officials on Sunday, June 22, airdropped relief material in flood-affected Midnapore. West Bengal authorities had asked for the Army's assistance in the relief operations.

Though the floodwaters have started receding in east and west Midnapore Districts of West Bengal, thousands of people are marooned on rooftops and trees, waiting for relief to arrive. Although, the air force dropped food and relief supplies across 31 blocks in two districts, many villagers were visibly angry at delays.

About 2 million people were affected by the floods caused by heavy rainfall over the past three-four days. The state government on June 20 had announced a relief package for the victims as the death toll in the district rose to 25.

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Meanwhile in Nalanda district of eastern Bihar villagers are stranded with rivers breaching the embankments and water flowing into their houses.

The villagers complain that the monsoon has just started and they are in helpless situation.

"Look at all this, the area is submerged, and this is just the beginning. I don't know what will happen if it rains more," said Dinesh Mahto, a villager.

The villagers further added that they are yet to receive food and medicines.

Swelling rivers have continued to break through mud embankments in the country's east and northeast since Friday. It has killed at least 50 people in ten days and affected more than three million people.

Prices of essential commodities have also shot up across the eastern states as flooding blocked many highways.

OneIndia News