Ten people washed away in flood hit north Bihar

Supaul, Sep 22 (UNI) At least ten people drowned in the swollen Kosi when a countrymade boat capsized midstream in the high current of the river near Birpur in this flood affected north Bihar district last night.

Police Superintendent D N Gupta today said the mishap occurred beacuase of overloading of the boat which was ferrying 23 people from Gidarmahi village to Birpur.

He said 13 people swam to safety, while ten others including some women drowned and washed away in the high current of the river.

Though a number of divers were pressed into service, none of the bodies could be traced so far, Mr Gupta added.

UNI XC RS-ABA RH/SY RK1346