13 killed in Bengal flood

Kolkata, Sep 26 (UNI) At least 13 people were killed and more than 1.5 million people affected as a devastating flood hit three West Bengal districts following incessant rains and discharge of water from reservoirs, Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta today said.

''There is flood in the western parts of Hooghly and Howrah districts and in the Kandi block of Murshidabad largely because of discharge of water from reservoirs following heavy rain. Large areas of nine other districts have also been inundated,'' he told reporters.

Dr Dasgupta said the toll was likely to climb following a boat capsize in Birbhum district.

So far 1.32 lakh flood victims had been sheltered in different relief camps, he said.

The state Finance Minister said the state government had sanctioned Rs 17 crore for providing relief to the flood-hit people.

UNI