Monsoon: UP death toll 79; Nagpur toll 16; Kolkata submerged

New Delhi, July 19 (UNI) Death toll in rain-related incidents today climbed to 79 in Uttar Pradesh and 16 in Nagpur, while large parts of Kolkata and its suburbs were inundated by water following hours of torrential rains.

In Uttar Pradesh, Sharda river was only 7 cm away from the danger mark in Paliakala, while Ghagra was 27 cm away at Ayodhya.

Central Water Commission said all major rivers including Ghagra, Sai, Gomti and Rapti were rising along their course, but were still below the danger mark.

Ankinghat received the maximum rainfall of 5 mm in the last 24 hours, followed by Bareilly 4 mm, Hamirpur 4 mm and Kanpur 3 mm.

The toll in rainfall related incidents climbed to 79 in the state after lightning claimed three more lives in Allahabad and Mahoba districts.

In Maharashtra, torrential rains that lashed Nagpur on Monday, has claimed 16 lives besides damaging a number of houses and property and affecting about 1200 families in the district.

Reports reaching here today said ten persons were swept away in the waters while six others were killed in wall collapse in different parts of the district. The district administration has started assessment of the losses caused due to floods and relief was being provided to the affected people.

In all, thirteen villages in Hingana block in rural Nagpur and eight localilties in the city were affected. At least 50 livestock were also killed.

Monsoon continued to play truant in.....Eds: here pick up from line one, para six of DI 68 WEATHER ROUNDUP.

UNI Team PK RPHT2010