Navy to help flood-ravaged Orissa

BHUBANESWAR: The state government sought the help of the navy in relief operations for Orissa's flood-ravaged areas. Over 6 lakh people are marooned due to the floods.

The death toll in the flood rose to 27 with six deaths reported on Monday. The deluge caused by 61 breaches in Mahanadi delta region, continued despite subsiding of water level in major rivers, official sources said.

Five days after severe floods hit 18 districts, the government sought navy's help, while BSF and CISF were deployed in badly affected Kendrapara district.

Naval personnel as well as boats and other equipment from INS Chilika and Visakhapatanam are likely to reach the flood- affected areas soon to assist in rescue and relief operation, state Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Manmohan Samal told reporters.