New Delhi:
The death toll in the West Bengal floods, where 14 districts are affected, rose to 50 with four more persons losing their lives on Tuesday.
A senior official at the state disaster management department said that around 26 people have drowned, four got electrocuted, five died in incidents of wall collapses, while lightning strikes claimed lives of six, since July 22.
Seven people lost their lives due to snake bite whereas the other two died after their boats submerged, the official said. When asked the flood situation, he said less amount of rainfall and controlled water release from the barrages were making the water recede.
ALSO READ: PM Modi announces Rs 2,350 crore package for flood-hit northeast
However, the situation is still critical at Ghatal in West Midnapore district and Dhaniakhali in Hooghly district. “Our team is constantly monitoring the situation there. There are several thousands of people in relief camps. We are providing them with medicines and food material,” he said.
The number of relief camps was cut down to 151 after the situation at other places improved and people started returning to their homes. “We are keeping our volunteers there and going to every household to find out if the inhabitants require any sort of assistance,” the officer added.
(With PTI inputs)
ALSO READ: Gujarat floods: Death toll rises to 218, relief operation intensifies
