MP weather toll 58; thousands stranded

Bhopal, Aug 16 (UNI) Even as Madhya Pradesh's weather-linked death toll rose to 58, thousands are stranded in rural areas of Balaghat, Hoshangabad and Guna districts due to release of water from reservoirs and damage to bridges.

Normalcy has been restored in the state capital where 15 people died in rain-related incidents after downpours lashed the city on August 13 and 14. No official information was available on the whereabouts of seven missing persons.

Official sources blamed encroachment over drains as the principal cause for the flooding here. The areas have been earmarked and action will be initiated in the post-monsoon period.

Soldiers are aiding the civilian administration in Hoshangabad where seven people died since August 13. Food packets, potable water and medicine were airdropped yesterday over five villages where about 1,000 persons are trapped. Soldiers distributed relief material at Khediahir village after reaching it by guiding a motorboat over a drain.

In other districts, boats, motorboats and at least one helicopter are assisting in rescuing marooned people. Attempts are underway to provide food, medical and other facilities.

More than 2,000 people are trapped across more than 50 villages in Balaghat district where the Benganga is in spate. A dozen villages are severely affected in Khairlanji tehsil and 200 persons marooned in Temni village alone.

With the weather clearing, road links were re-established but State Highway 26 is closed due to a damaged bridge over the Saratti river at Lalbarra 22 km from Balaghat district headquarters.

A UNI report from Guna said the overflowing Parvati river cut off Bamori block's Khaida village where 35 families -- 200 persons -- are marooned.

''A helicopter is being arranged for rescue. Nine other villages are facing a similar situation but food was conveyed there by a relief team,'' said Collector G K Saraswat.

UNI SHD-AC LS HS1618