Rain havoc kills 39 in MP, crop damaged

Bhopal, Mar 10 (UNI) Unseasonal downpours across entire Madhya Pradesh claimed 39 lives and extensively damaged wheat, gram and lentil crop.

In the state capital, precipitation in March broke a 70-year record as about 4.5 cm was recorded overnight. The figure was 3.5 cm on March 7, 1936.

Quoting reports received until last evening, Commissioner (Agricultural Production) Iqbal Ahmed told UNI that crops were affected by showers and hail in 34 of 48 districts.

''The affected area is 35,000 hectares. At least 113 persons were injured, 158 animals perished and about 2,100 rural residences sustained damage,'' he added.

The crop damage percentage ranged from two to 60 per cent and farmers would be compensated after an assessment under the Revenue Book Circular, he said.

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