Relief material beyond reach of WB flood victims

West Midnapore (West Bengal), Jun 23: Flood-affected victims in West Bengal have alleged that relief materials have not reached them yet even as they continue to struggle to survive.

About two million people have been affected by the floods caused by heavy rainfall over the past three to four days. Although the flood situation in the worst-hit districts of East and West Midnapore has eased considerably, difficult times persist for thousands. The Army has deployed over 37 speedboats to evacuate people and the air force has dropped food and relief supplies across 31 blocks in various districts. Marooned villagers, however, alleged that no relief has come there way since the floods broke out four days ago. Villages like Bural, Baharahara, Durgagram, Bhukha, Dehati, Mohar and Katakhali in Sabang block of West Midnapore district are reportedly still under water.

The loss of rice stocks and destruction of standing crops has added to farmers' woes. "There are around 140 houses in our village and all of them have collapsed," said Narayan Chandra Maity, a resident of Durgagram. The State Government has already announced a relief package for the flood victims.

ANI