Floods in eastern India kill at least 59, millions affected

[News_Editor]

Floods in eastern India kill at least 59, millions affected

2011-09-27 00:11:14 GMT+7 (ICT)

BHUBANESWAR, INDIA (BNO NEWS) -- At least 59 people have been killed as severe flooding continues in eastern India, where over two million people are estimated to have been affected by the flood waters, officials said on Monday.

In the last three days, at least seventeen people were reported dead as a second phase of flooding hit the eastern Indian state of Orissa, which is located by the Bay of Bengal, officials told the Hindustan Times.

The second phase of flooding began in the region on September 23 as heavy rainfall in the region was triggered by a depression in the Bay of Bengal. Officials said the floods have affected more than 2.1 million people in over 3,000 villages.

Meanwhile, state special relief commissioner PK Mohapatra told the media outlet that six helicopters have been deployed for search and rescue operations, as well as delivering air-drop aid materials. Defense Minister AK Anthony has ordered the Indian air force to deploy additional helicopters to increase relief efforts.

On September 9, the first wave of flooding hit Orissa state, affecting 19 of the state's 30 districts. With the recent casualties, the death toll has now risen to at least 59. The flooding has been described as Orissa's worst in 30 years.

Heavy rainfall has affected other regions of India as well as the Ganges, Sore, and Gomti rivers' water level continues rise. According to reports, around 36 people have died in the country's Uttar Pradesh state, while in Bihar, warnings have been issued in eight districts.

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