Toll rises to 46, situation improves

Kolkata, Jun 26 (UNI) The death toll in the devastating floods in two West Bengal districts has gone up to 46 today even as the overall situation improved.

Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta told reporters after a review meeting that accumulated water in many of the affected areas of East and West Midnapore districts was receding though about 3.5 million people still remained affected.

''The situation has improved and discharge of water from reservoirs has stopped. However, the number of flood related deaths has increased to 46,'' he said.

Dr Dasgupta said about 3.70 lakh victims were still in 1451 relief camps.

He said repairing work of the breached river embankments would start tomorrow.

The state government had so far granted Rs 57 crore for relief of the flood-hit people.

Meanwhile, Relief Minister Mortaza Hossain apprised Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi about the flood situation and the relief and rescue measures taken by the state government.

The state Cabinet, which met under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, also discussed the flood situation.

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