Death toll in Bengal floods rises to 45

Kolkata, July 10(UNI) At least 45 people have died till now in the devastating floods in five south Bengal districts with fresh areas getting inundated in East Midnapore and in all 53.74 million people have been affected.

Chief Secretary Amit Kirnan Deb told reporters that even though the overall flood situation had improved, Keleghai river in East Midnapore district was flowing above the danger level and altogether 1.64 lakh homeless people were sheltered in 987 camps.

According to official reports, fresh areas of Patashpur under East Midnapore districts, were inundated by the overflowing water of Keleghai. Several other areas of the district were still under 5-6 ft water.

Even as the overall situation was limping back to normal in West Midnapore district, the municipal authorities of Sabang, large parts of which still remained deluged, introduced ferry service for office goers and school students in a number of the worst affected areas, the reports said.

The Chief Secretary said in all 9,316 villages were affected by the flood, triggered by two days of heavy rain caused by a deep depression.

Midnapore reported two more deaths from east and west Midnapur District today.

Body of Bijoy Bhunia (40) was recovered from Keleghai river near Amarsi under Pataspur PS this morning in East Midnapur District.

An unidentified body of a male carried by Kansaboti river was recovered from Palbari near Midnapur town.

UNI