Monsoon fury devastates seven states, claims 868 lives, renders thousands homeless

As many as 868 have lost their lives with 247 others being injured as torrential rains, floods and landslides wreak havoc in seven states this monsoon season, the Home Ministry said on Friday.  

With the numbers expected to mount as state faces the worst flood situation in its history with 2.11 lakh people in 14 districts affected by the rains and floods. Farmers’ misery grew during their much-awaited monsoon season as over 32,500 hectares of crops were damaged by the natural disaster.

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The numbers in other states are also worrying as 191 people died in Uttar Pradesh, 189 in West Bengal, 139 in Maharashtra, 52 in Gujarat, 45 in Assam and 11 in Nagaland.

The tally of missing people is also high as a total of 33 people have been reportedly missing in which 28 are from Kerala and five in West Bengal, while 274 others have been injured in the rain-related incidents in several states across the country.

Around two lakh people have been living in relief camps and shelter homes in Kerala with 43 teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) with 2,000 rescuers and 162 boats doing rounds in the state, saving the lives of people.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed 23 helicopters and 11 transport aircraft to provide aerial aide to the people suffering due to flash floods.

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The Indian Navy has deployed 51 boats along with a team of divers; 1,000 life jackets and 1,300 gum boots. Airdrop of 1,600 food packages on Friday.

The Coast Guard has deployed 30 boats with complete rescue teams with 300 life jackets, seven life rafts and 144 life guards.

A total of 10 Engineering Task Forces (ETFs), 60 boats and 100 life jackets were provided by the army.

One unit of the Territorial Army has also been deployed in Kerala.

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In Assam, 11.45 lakh people have been affected by incessant rains and floods, which have also affected 27,600 hectares of land.

In West Bengal, 2.27 lakh people and 48,550 hectares of land have been affected by the floods.

In Uttar Pradesh, 1.74 lakh people are affected by the incessant rains which have also damaged 33,855 hectares of crops.

Nine NDRF teams were sent out in Uttar Pradesh, eight in West Bengal, seven in Gujarat, four in Maharashtra, and one in Nagaland.

(With inputs from agencies)