Bengal flood claims 86 lives

Kolkata, Sep 28 (UNI) The flood situation in West Bengal today continued to be grave as the toll pushed up to 86 and more people were rendered homeless in 16 districts.

Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta said more than seven million people had been affected by the current flood.

He said about 2.5 lakh homeless people had been sheltered in 938 relief camps while altogether 2.56 lakh houses were damaged fully or partially.

The flood, continuing for more than a week, has been triggered by incessant rain and discharge of water from barrages.

UNI KDG JYN/VA PM1849