Orissa reels under floods

Orrisa continues to reel under floods with heavy rains lashing the region.

Baripada (Orissa), Sep 24 : Orrisa continues to reel under floods with heavy rains lashing the region.

Almost all major rivers like Budhabalanga and its tributaries Kalo, Sunei,angahar, East and West Deo are in spate following incessant rains during the last 24 hours.

River Budhabalanga had overflowed its banks early on Sunday morning with the floodwaters surging into the low-lying areas of Baripada town.

The authorities have sprung into action to help those marooned.

"We have asked the administration to provide all possible help to people in the marooned areas," said Manmohan Samal, Revenue Minister, Orissa.

Normal life in the town has been severely crippled due to power failure and disruption of drinking water supply.

Affected people living close to the banks of Budhabalanga have been evacuated and sheltered in schools.

"Every thing is submerged under water," said Malati Behera, a flood victim.

Since July, over 2,000 people in India and neighbouring Bangladesh have been killed by snake bites, drowning, diarrhoea and from houses collapsing after swollen rivers burst their banks as a result of incessant monsoon rains.

Death toll due to floods in the India and Bangladesh stands at 2,624 and 1,023 respectively.

ANI