Two die even as flood situation improves in Bengal

Kolkata, July 16 (UNI) Even as the overall flood situation in three South Bengal districts improved with no reports of fresh rainfall coming during the past 24 hours, at least two people died in Murshidabad district during the period.

According to official reports here today, flood waters in the rain fed Ganga, the Bhagirathi and their tributaries in Murshidabad, Birbhum and Burdwan districts had receded further in the absence of any fresh rainfall since yesterday thereby reducing the threat of more damages.

However, two people, including a five-year-old child, died in Murshidabad district after rain water entered the family's mud house and partially submerged it.

Meanwhile, reports of fresh erosion along the coast of the Ganges in several parts of Murshidabad and neighbouring Malda districts had started coming rendering hundreds of people homeless.

Large chunks of farm lands had also been swallowed by the mighty river following the unabated erosion.

More than five lakh people in three south Bengal districts had so far been affected in flash floods with majority of them taking shelter in relief camps set up by the state administriction in different areas.

Though there was no proper estimate, property worth several crores of rupees had been damaged, the reports said.

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