Toll in Bengal storm rises to 19

Kolkata, Sep 21 (UNI) The toll in Tuesday's storm in three districts in West Bengal rose to 19 with two more deaths reported today.

Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee told reporters that altogether 19 people have died in the severe storm, which lashed South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore districts destoying thousands of houses, uprooting trees and twisting electric polls.

About 3,000 people were injured and more than 18,000 thatched houses destroyed in the sudden calamity, which hit altogether 29 blocks.

Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta said the State Government today sanctioned another Rs four crore to increase the package for relief and rehabilitation to Rs 8.5 crore.

UNI KDG SJC DKB HT1810