Heavy rains claim three

Kolkata, Sep 22 (UNI) Torrential rains claimed three lives, including those of two children, when a mud house collapsed at Saibona village in nearby North 24 Parganas early today.

Police said the house collapsed following the overnight deluge.

They said another person was seriously injured.

Giving details police said 38-year-old Karak and his two daughters--aged below ten--were killed on the spot as two walls of their mud house collapsed at about 2 AM.

His 30-year-old wife sustained serious injuries and was admitted to the sub-divisional hospital in Barrackpore.

Police recovered the bodies from the debris and sent those for post mortem.

Meanwhile, life in the city and surrounding areas was disrupted following the rains caused by a well-marked low pressure.

Several areas were water logged. Commuters had a harrowing time reaching their destinations as public transport was scarce. Many arterial roads across the metropolis were submerged. A UNI correspondent saw a boat plying on the Amherst Street in central Kolkata.

The city's underground railway system--Metro--was the only redeeming feature.

UNI XC-PP PL MSJ DB1258