Flood scene worsens in UP, WB, Orissa; 11 more die

New Delhi, Aug 21: The flood scene in Orissa, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal turned grim with 11 deaths reported today even as the situation improved in Bihar where the government decided to stop airdropping of relief materials from tomorrow. Eight persons died in Uttar Pradesh, taking the toll in flood-related deaths in the state to 205. While river Ganga was rising at Mirzapur, Varanasi and Ghazipur districts, Ghagra was also rising in Elgin Bridge and Ayodhya while Rapti's level was increasing in Balrampur and other areas. In West Bengal, rivers in West Midnapore district were flowing above danger marks. The army was distributing relief in Keshpur and Ghatal areas, while air force speed boats were deployed in rescuing the people in Midnapore Sadar areas. Bodies of two persons who had been washed away in the district were found today. The overall situation in Orissa was also alarming with a school boy being washed away in Mayurbhanj district while rising rivers inundated 881 villages in neighbouring Balasore. In Bihar, with the situation showing signs of improvement, the government today decided to stop airdropping of relief materials in the affected districts from tomorrow. Full Story