NEW DELHI, Aug 5 (NNN-PTI) – The floods in India’s eastern state of West Bengal have killed 23 lives, local media reports said yesterday.
The floods were triggered after heavy rains hit several parts of the state, pushing water levels up in the rivers and dams.
Nearly 250,000 people were displaced from their homes, following the discharge of water from dams that inundated six districts.
“The flood situation in West Bengal worsened yesterday, claiming eight more lives taking the toll to 23, as fresh areas went under water,” a local media report said.
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, announced an ex-gratia relief of 2,695 U.S. dollars, to the next of kin of those who lost their lives, due to the flooding in West Bengal, and 673 U.S. dollars to each injured in the floods.
Meanwhile, officials said, relief and rescue operations were going on in the affected areas.
At present, India is in the grip of the southwest monsoon and most parts are experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall, besides extremely heavy spells at isolated spots.– NNN-PTI
