Kolkata: Flood waters in West Bengal were receding Tuesday after claiming 35 lives, but several areas of East Midnapore district were still under a sea of water.

The flood scenario improved partially in East Midnapore, but vast areas in Bhagwanpur, Egra I and II, Patashpur I and II and Mugberia blocks were still waterlogged, officials said.

"Water has neither receded nor increased in these areas. The main concern now is the unavailability of relief in Bhagwanpur," said an official.

Flood victims complained they had been left to fend for themselves.

"We are hungry for days. But no relief has reached us. The government sent some food Monday but a relief van was looted by hungry villagers of neighbouring areas," complained Bhola Sahu of Bhagwanpur.

Police said the death toll in the floods stood at 35, with 23 perishing in West Midanpore district and 12 in adjoining East Midnapore.

West Midnapore district magistrate N.S. Nigam told IANS the situation was under control except in Sabong block where rescue operations are on.

The Keleghai, Kapaleswari and Subarnarekha rivers have long gone below the danger level, he said.

Central minister and state Congress president Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi visited Sabong and parts of East Midnapore to survey the flood situation.

Three columns of the army were operating in East Midnapore and another in the West providing relief to the victims.

 

Source : IANS