15 feared drowned in flood hit Maharajganj in UP

Lucknow, Aug 1: At least 15 people were feared drowned when a country made boat capsized mid-stream in the overflowing Rohin river in the flood affected Maharajganj district today.

Police sources at the state headquarters here said that there were about 60 people onboard the ill-fated boat when the it overturned due to overloading.

The accident occured near Harakpur village under Paniyara police station in the district.

While 40 people were rescued by the PAC divers engaged in the flood relief work, bodies of four passengers were recovered so far.

Sources said two PAC motor boats have been pressed into service to trace the other missing people.

However, unconfirmed reports said the number of the missing people might be around 35 as the boat was overloaded with about 80 passengers.

Senior police and civil officials of the districts were camping on the spot and supervising the rescue operations.

UNI