Flood situation grim in Chhattisgarh; 8 dead

Jagdalpur, Aug 6 (UNI) Eight people have died in rain-related incidents and several persons are reported missing, while the Shabri and Indravati rivers are inspate.

The break-up of fatalities is Konta 3, Sukma 2, Dantewada, Bijapur and Injram 1 each.

In excess of 2,000 houses were destroyed and more than 50 villages were innundated with water. Schools were declared closed for a week across the district even as road contact remains severed at several places. The Bailadila-Visakhapatnam rail route is non-functional for the past five days resulting in a loss exceeding Rs 10 crore for the railways.

The Shabri is flowing 2 m over the danger mark at Konta. IAF helicopters are undertaking rescue and relief efforts. A motorboat was requisitioned from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. More than 19,000 persons are sheltering in 19 relief camps in southern Bastar.

''Rescue and relief efforts are being undertaken at frantic pace,'' assured Dantewada Collector K R Pisda.

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